An 11-year-old girl on a flight from Istanbul to New York died on Sunday after the cabin crew made an emergency stop in Hungary to try to save her, officials said.
In a statement sent to USA TODAY, Turkish Airlines said the captain of the flight immediately diverted the plane to Budapest after the child felt ill. At the same time, the cabin crew asked on the PA system if there were any doctors on board.
Turkish Airlines said there was one doctor who tried to save the child as the plane landed in Budapest at 10:30 a.m. local time.
“As a doctor among our passengers attended the situation and performed heart massage, our cockpit crew made an emergency landing in Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport,” Turkish Airlines said in the statement.
Asiana Airlines flight:12 injured after man opens emergency exit door
Budapest airport staff rush to save the child
When the plane landed, Budapest airport medical staff were alerted of the incident and boarded the plane to treat the 11-year-old, who was “losing consciousness on board,” the Budapest airport said in a statement to USA TODAY.
“Despite the rapid and professional intervention, unfortunately her life could not be saved,” the airport said in the statement.
Family members of the girl were also on board the plane. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones and share their pain,” Turkish Airlines said.
