Airline Passenger Stuck on Plane in Triple-Digit Heat Describes 'Traumatizing' Conditions
Entertainment executive and producer April Love is speaking out about a harrowing travel experience she recently endured.
On a return trip to Atlanta from Las Vegas on July 17, Delta Airlines flight 555 was grounded for over three hours, causing Love and several other passengers to remain stuck on the tarmac with no air-conditioning in triple-digit heat.
"It was awful," the Just Breathe podcast creator told PEOPLE of the chaotic ordeal. "After two hours they finally gave us water, but people were passing out, throwing up; babies were screaming. One person had an accident on themselves. It was traumatizing."
The harrowing event, which has since gained massive media attention, is now being investigated by federal agencies, according to Reuters.
"I want to know how it was possible for passengers to be left in triple-digit heat onboard an aircraft for that long," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told the outlet on Thursday, calling the issue "infuriating" and "shocking," and noting that there are "rules about that, which we are actively enforcing."
As for Love and the other people aboard the plane, she recalled the aircraft eventually going back to the gate after several hours, but even then, most passengers were forced to stay put while medical officials helped other passengers in the deepest distress. "EMTs had to rush on to tend to people who needed oxygen," Love said of the situation, which occurred in unbearable heat.
According to the weather forecast, the heat index in Las Vegas that day reached a sweltering 114 degrees.
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The airline hasn't remained completely silent on the ordeal since it happened, though, offering a short response via statement. “We apologize for the experience our customers had on flight 555," the communication read. "Delta teams are looking into the circumstances that led to uncomfortable temperatures inside the cabin and we appreciate the efforts of our people and first responders at Harry Reid International.”
However, there has allegedly still been no direct contact to its customers who had to endure what Love described as the not only "traumatizing," but "completely ridiculous" situation that day. She has since taken to Instagram with several posts recounting her experience, calling on Delta Airlines for, at the very least, compensation to its well-deserving patrons.
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