05-06-2025
Eerie reminder of Qantas worker's horrific aerobridge fall that left her in a coma
A sign has been spotted at a major Australian airport, warning of the dangers of aerobridges after a shocking accident which left a Qantas worker fighting for life.
Customer experience supervisor Olivia Hristovska plunged five metres through a hole in an aerobridge at Sydney Airport's T3 domestic terminal on May 3.
She hit the tarmac below, suffering life-threatening head and internal injuries, and was placed in an induced coma by doctors.
A picture of a small sign was taken at Melbourne Airport this week highlighting the incident while reminding 'us (of) all of the hazards associated with working at heights on aerobridges'.
'While there is so much yet to learn from this recent safety incident, the seriousness of it prompts a strong reminder to us all,' it read.
'The height of an aerobridge from the ground can be up to 8m when docked to some aircraft type that use Melbourne Airport.
'Safe practices at heights is paramount, otherwise a serious accident is risked.'
The sign reminded people to never lean on aerobridge walls, look out for gaps and to speak up if 'unsafe practices are observed'.
At the bottom of the notice there was a 'call to action' heading highlighted in red.
Under it, also printed in red ink, were the words: 'Aerobridge operators must conduct a safety briefing on the aerobridge prior to operating to ensure all persons on the bridge are aware of safety precautions and risk.'
Qantas employees came forward online recently to open up on the May 3 incident, amid a wave of speculation on social media.
'So many unnecessary and uniformed comments as to the true facts that led to this tragic accident today,' one staff member said.
'I was on shift when this incident unfolded and had traumatised many Qantas staff,' she said, adding that the woman had followed all necessary safety procedures.
Another witness purporting to have inside knowledge on the incident and the woman's subsequent medical treatment chimed in
'She was leaning on the side of the aerobridge and it buckled out, separating from the floor. A male colleague tried to grab her to no avail,' she said.
'She was unresponsive for 15 minutes, but was revived in the ambulance and then put in an induced coma.
'She has head injuries, and most likely broken bones.'
The Melbourne Airport sign confirmed Ms Hristovska had leaned against the aerobridge wall before it buckled and she fell through a gap.
Ms Hristovska worked for the airline for 14 years, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Despite it happening at Sydney Airport, there's been no confirmed sightings of the warning sign there.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Sydney Airport and Ms Hristovska's family for comment.
Ms Hristovska's daughter Monique, 27, told Daily Mail Australia shortly after the accident she hadn't left her mother's side.
'We feel it's important the full human impact of this incident is understood - not just the event itself, but the long-term effects on her body, mind, and our family,' she said.
Monique celebrated Mother's Day by her mum's bedside in hospital as Ms Hristovska lay unconscious next to her.
'This year, I hold my own mum close - not just in heart, but in gratitude,' she later posted on Instagram.
'After everything, she's here, and that alone is a miracle I don't take lightly. To every mother, nurturer, and divine woman holding it all - we see you.'
