From CNW.
Skyservice class action commenced on behalf of victims of Punta Cana landing accident
TORONTO, June 3 /CNW/ - A class action lawsuit has been commenced on
behalf of passengers who were on Skyservice Flight 560 from Toronto to Punta
Cana, Dominican Republic on May 22, 2005. The class action also includes the
claims of the passengers' family members.
The lawsuit arises out of a landing accident involving Flight 560, which
was carrying 318 passengers. As the Boeing 767 approached the landing strip in
Punta Cana, it descended suddenly and crashed into the runway. The landing was
so forceful that the airplane's fuselage sustained significant structural
damage and resulted in the airplane bouncing off the runway three times before
finally coming to a stop.
The class action was commenced by Linda Maggisano, a passenger on
Flight 560, who was travelling with her 2 month-old and 2 year-old sons, as
well as seven other family members.
For the passengers of Flight 560, the ordeal was terrifying. "I thought
my life was over," stated Ms. Maggisano. "I was especially frightened for my
infant son, who was nearly thrown from my arms."
Another passenger, Patricia McLean said: "This was the most traumatic
event in my life. I am very concerned about my injured back and the crack to
my neck found on an x-ray."
To Mukesh Mehta the accident was "a near death experience. We were thrown
around the plane like rag dolls." Mr. Mehta was also critical of Skyservice's
handling of the incident: "Skyservice failed to even apologize - this is no
way to treat airline passengers." Michelle Armstrong also directed
disappointment at the charter carrier: "I am terribly upset that no one
appears to be taking this seriously - especially since so many of us have been
injured."
Joel Rochon, one of the lawyers retained by Ms. Maggisano, commented:
"The passengers are very upset and are looking for answers from Skyservice as
to how such a serious accident and near disaster happened."