Indian Tourist Dies While Queuing at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo
A foreign national from India died after experiencing a medical emergency while queuing for check-in at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Wednesday morning (19/8).
The victim was identified as Paresh Vashantrai Sheth, an Indian citizen born in New Delhi on 3 June 1957. According to identity records, the victim was travelling on passport number R4009505.
The incident occurred at approximately 07:19 WITA. At the time, the victim was standing in the queue at one of the check-in counters to travel by air from Labuan Bajo back to his home country.
While in the queue, the victim suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. The sudden turn of events caused panic in the departure area. Aviation Security (Avsec) officers from Komodo Airport who were on site immediately provided first aid and promptly contacted officers from the Port Health Office (KKP).
The KKP medical team, together with an ambulance, arrived at the scene to carry out initial treatment. Upon examination, the victim’s condition was reported to be critical, unresponsive, and he was reportedly foaming at the mouth.
The victim was then evacuated using the KKP ambulance to Siloam Hospital Labuan Bajo. At around 07:30, the victim arrived at the hospital accompanied by officers and a companion.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the medical team immediately carried out emergency procedures, including resuscitation or cardiac pumping. However, after approximately one hour of intensive treatment, the victim’s life could not be saved. Siloam Hospital Labuan Bajo declared the victim deceased at 08:19.
The victim was known to be in Labuan Bajo on holiday and was preparing to return to India when the incident occurred. As of now, the victim’s companion is still communicating with family members in his home country regarding the repatriation of the body.
Further handling is expected to involve the management of Komodo Airport, the Port Health Office, the police, and the authorities responsible for foreign nationals in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Head of the Class II Airport Operator Unit (UPBU) for Komodo Labuan Bajo, Ceppy Triono, has not yet provided an official statement regarding the incident.