Baggage handler dies after hair caught in conveyor belt

(CMR) A baggage handler died after her hair got caught in a conveyor belt at an airport in New Orleans on Tuesday at about 10 pm.

Jermani Thompson (26) was reportedly unloading baggage from a Frontier Airlines plane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport when her hair got entangled in the machinery of a belt loader – a vehicle with a conveyor belt for getting baggage on and off aircraft.

Ms. Thompson, an employee of GAT Airline Ground Support, was rushed to the hospital, where she died.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear, but GAT CEO Mike Hough confirmed in a statement that the female victim was severely injured and subsequently died as a result of the incident, ABC News reported.

“What we know so far is that her hair became entangled with the machinery of the belt loader. We are heartbroken and are supporting her family and her friends as best as we are able,” he said.

Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, expressed sadness at the tragic loss of the GAT Airline Ground Support team member.

“The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport extends its sincere condolences to her family and friends and also to our partners at GAT and Frontier Airlines. [The victim] was a part of our Airport family, and we will continue to support one another in any way we can during this trying time,” Dolloile said.