Mystery shrouds death of child in plane

Dubai: A newborn infant died on an Emirates flight from Mumbai via Dubai to Manchester last week from undetermined causes.
Aditi, a three-and-a-halfmonth-old Indian girl, died in her mother's arms, according to Indian reports, after milk and blood flowed from her nose when her mother started breastfeeding her after takeoff.
An Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News the EK 501 flight from Mumbai to Dubai carrying the infant and her parents had to turn back shortly after takeoff when the baby developed serious symptoms.
"Mumbai was the closest operationally suitable airport when the decision was taken to return to the ground. The captain notified the airport authorities and an airport doctor conducted an emergency check-up on arrival. The infant was taken to the nearest hospital where staff confirmed she had passed away. Reasons for the demise are still under investigation," said the spokesperson.
Ashok and Sunita Shukla still do not know the cause of their child's death.
Midday reported that the crew was alerted and a doctor on the flight was summoned. Ashok said the doctor, however, was not allowed to examine his daughter.
"We were flying over Karachi. Instead of landing at the nearest airport, we were brought back to Mumbai. A doctor was waiting on the runway. He examined my child and declared her dead on arrival," said Shukla.
The body has been sent for an autopsy but police in India are waiting for the report.
21/10/07 Emmanuelle Landais/Gulf News, United Arab Emirates

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Categories: Foreign Oct 2007, Safety Oct 2007