media release 6 – accident airlink flight update #5 - 27/09/09
ACCIDENT - AIRLINK FLIGHT Update #5 at 11h00
Airlink Media bulletin
Issued 27 September 2009
JOHANNESBURG - Airlink would like to provide a further update on the status of our three crew members and the bystander on the ground, who were injured in the accident and are still in hospital in Durban receiving medical attention for their injuries:
1. Capt Alistair Freeman, following his extensive surgery on Friday continues to recover, whilst he is still considered critical his condition remains stable and is improving. He is now conscious and responding to family members, although due to his facial injures is unable to talk. Additional operations to attend to his severe injuries are planned for the days ahead; he is now being fed solids.
2. First Officer Sonja Bierman, was operated on again yesterday but this was a minor procedure and she was placed on a ventilator for a while as she was having difficulty breathing due to bruising in her lungs. This morning she is now off the ventilator, positive and recovering.
3. Flight Attendant Rodelle Oosthuizen whilst in pain, continues to recover well. Attention to her spinal injury will take place during the next few days.
4. The member of the public, Durban Solid Waste employee Mr Abraham Mthethwa, having been operated on successfully, continues to recover. He informs us that his pain is reduced and he is eating well.
Airlink would again like to express its sincere appreciation for the numerous messages and condolences that are still flooding in. We thank our passengers for their continuing and enthusiastic support for our scheduled air services, which continue to operate as normal.
Our crew members remain very close in our thoughts.
Please note: From tomorrow Monday, any further updates will be posted under the ‘news’ section on Airlink’s normal web site. Journalists should call 082 854 1988 for further information.
Issued for Airlink
KARIN MURRAY