Boy out of danger 5 days after falling off aerobridge

Relieved after spending an anxious couple of days, the boy8217;s parents, Vivek Kumar and Preeti Bhatnagar, today blamed the airline for its negligence that led to the accident. Preeti Bhatnagar said there was no airline staff to help passengers get off the flight, and that the presence of one would certainly have averted the mishap.

A member of Khambatta Airlines8217; ground staff tried to catch the boy, and though he failed his hands reduced the impact of the fall considerably, witnesses have said. Varunabh was later taken to Fortis Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a blood clot in his brain due to internal bleeding.

The Bhatnagar couple is now 8220;most thankful8221; to the ground staff, identified as Satendra Singh.

Fortis Hospital medical superintendent Dr Somesa Mittal said, 8220;We waited 24 hours to decide a course of action, as there is a probability of treating such cases without surgery.8221; But as Varunabh had already started showing symptoms of disorientation, was vomiting and felt drowsy, he was operated upon, Dr Mittal said. 8220;He is now doing well.8221;

Etihad Airways, meanwhile, maintained that all standard operating procedures were followed in attaching the aerobridge to the aircraft and that at least three airline staff were present to help passengers alight. 8220;We are in constant touch with the family,8221; Neerja Bhatia, country manager, Etihad Airways, said.