A ground crew worker, identified as Oscar Robayo, at Montreal Trudeau International Airport was confirmed dead hours after he was was struck by an aircraft backing up on a runway.

Multiple reports said the flight, operated by airline French Bee, collided with the victim at about 7:30 p.m. Monday, before it was set to take off for Paris.

Montreal police said Mr Robayo was confirmed dead despite efforts to save him at the hospital.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, in a statement on Facebook, said Mr Robayo was a ramp agent with Samsic and a member of IAM Union Local 2309, District 140.

“Though serious accidents are rare, the dangers our members face day to day at work make safety the No. 1 priority,” Dave Flowers, president of the union, said in a statement

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues and fellow IAM members during this incredibly difficult time,” the union stated. “Our thoughts are also with everyone affected by this tragic incident. We wish them strength and comfort as they navigate this difficult time.”

French Bee also confirmed the incident which it said happened during ground operations before the departure of one of its flights.

“The accident involved the aircraft and a pushback vehicle operating as part of the ground handling process,” the airline said in a statement. 

Noting that the precise circumstances surrounding the accident had not yet been established, the airline said it was cooperating fully with the Canadian authorities and relevant parties to assist in establishing the facts.

The investigation had since been handed over to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to determine the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

CNESST, the province’s workplace safety board, was also conducting a separate investigation into the incident.