A tragic incident occurred recently at China Southern Airlines’ Hubei branch during the company’s annual physical fitness assessment, drawing public concern. A 38-year-old male employee collapsed while running a 3,000-meter test and was pronounced dead the following day. Authorities confirmed the case is under investigation but did not release the employee’s identity due to privacy considerations.
According to Chinese media reports, the incident took place on the morning of October 30 in Wuhan, Hubei. Around 9:08 a.m., the airline’s aviation security management department was conducting its routine annual fitness test when the male employee suddenly collapsed during the 3,000-meter run.
On-site medical staff immediately administered CPR and initial treatment, before handing him over at 9:20 a.m. to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport’s emergency medical team, who continued resuscitation using a defibrillator. At 9:40 a.m., the employee was rushed to Wuhan Central Hospital’s ICU for further treatment.
Despite all efforts by medical personnel, the employee’s condition remained critical. He passed away around 10 a.m. on October 31. Both the hospital and the airport emergency center confirmed the death, while withholding personal details for privacy reasons.
China Southern Airlines reportedly sent staff to assist at the hospital, and the employee’s family was on site. Arrangements for his funeral are being coordinated between the company and the family.
The incident has sparked public debate about the intensity and safety of fitness assessments in the aviation industry. Many netizens questioned whether adequate medical precautions and emergency measures were in place during the test. Experts in China have called on companies to review fitness assessment procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
