A Perth woman who held a stranger’s two-month-old baby as she died in her arms aboard an international flight has described the incident as “the most confronting situation one could possibly go through”.
Nadia Parenzee was a passenger on AirAsia flight D7236 from Kuala Lumpur to Perth early this morning, when she offered to help a couple whose baby was “really restless” and crying continuously.
“I offered the parents and the staff some assistance as I could see that the new parents were stressed,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
“As I closed my eyes to catch some sleep the AirAsia hostess tapped me on the shoulder to help her.
“The parents offered the baby to me with desperation in their eyes I took her in my arms and immediately read [the Koran passage] Surah Fatiha.
“I immediately knew something was horribly wrong and shouted out to the passengers to see if there were any doctors on board.”
Ms Parenzee said two-and-a-half hours of “chaos” followed, with resuscitation efforts continuing until the plane landed.
Parents were ‘starting a new life’ in Australia
She said the baby girl’s parents, a Saudi couple, were travelling to Perth to “start a new life for themselves” in Australia.
“My heart is numb and I don’t know how to feel but I am honestly honoured to have held her and read a prayer on her before she passed,” Ms Parenzee wrote.
“To the unbelievable staff of AirAsia, you were amazing and I commend your professionalism.”
An AirAsia spokesman confirmed there was a “medical emergency” on board the flight, which was met by a team of medical specialists and WA Police on its arrival at Perth International Airport.
Officers are investigating the incident and would prepare a report for the coroner.
“We are unable to comment further on the infant’s medical situation, however our thoughts are with the infant and family involved,” an AirAsia spokesman said in a statement.
Flight delays as investigation carried out
Officials could be seen leaving the plane this morning carrying large brown paper evidence bags.
An airport staff member was also seen carrying a pram off the aircraft.
The same plane was set to depart at 6:50am as AirAsia flight D7237 from Perth back to Kuala Lumpur, but was delayed by several hours as a result of the emergency.
The AirAsia spokesperson apologised for any inconvenience caused by the delay and said the airline would help travellers to re-book.abcnews