A resident of Norilsk filed a claim against the airline, seeking compensation of 68 thousand rubles for injuries resulting from an incident on a flight. The claim centers on an episode involving a flight attendant from the carrier, identified in reports as Mash Siberia, which occurred during a journey from Moscow back to Norilsk.
The incident arose when hot water was being poured into disposable cups by a member of the cabin crew. In a sudden turn of events, the hot liquid spilled onto the passenger’s left forearm, causing immediate pain and visible burns. The episode disrupted the traveler’s plans and led to a medical assessment that confirmed a second-degree burn, a serious injury that required care and time to recover.
Because of the burn, the claimant had to miss a scheduled shift at the preschool where she worked as a principal. The absence affected her responsibilities and prompted a reassessment of how such accidents are handled by the airline and its staff. This consequence added a personal and professional dimension to the incident beyond the initial physical injury.
Initially, the airline proposed a modest settlement, offering 5 thousand rubles as compensation and a retention of 500 miles under the airline’s loyalty program. The proposal did not meet the claimant’s expectations or reflect the severity of the harm endured, and she chose to pursue the matter through legal channels to seek a fair resolution.
The ensuing legal process led to a court case where the claimant contested the initial offer and pressed for more substantial damages, including moral compensation for the distress and inconvenience caused by the event. The proceedings highlighted questions about airline responsibility, passenger safety protocols, and the adequacy of in-flight safety practices in preventing burns and other injuries.
Alongside these events, further reports indicated a prior incident involving the same crew member, where a separate passenger, a young child, sustained burn injuries during a flight from Moscow to a popular resort destination. In that case, the flight attendants provided initial care on board but reportedly did not approve emergency landing for urgent medical treatment. This history raised concerns about crew training and the handling of in-flight injuries, reinforcing the importance of swift medical decisions and appropriate safety procedures.
Experts note that fluid spills of hot liquids on board can lead to serious injuries, especially when passengers are seated away from emergency exits or when the crew is busy managing other tasks. Proper labeling, careful pouring techniques, and prompt action in response to spills are essential elements of safe cabin operations. The mix of personal impact, professional disruption, and questions about airline liability demonstrates why such cases attract close attention and careful adjudication with an emphasis on passenger safety and fair compensation.
In this particular matter, the court’s decision addressed the balance between accountability and the practical realities of operating flights. The outcome acknowledged the need for appropriate compensation that reflects the harm suffered, while also considering the complexities of proving fault and the responsibilities of flight crew under dynamic in-flight conditions. The resolution serves as a reminder to carriers to uphold rigorous safety standards and to resolve injuries with transparency and fairness for travelers who rely on air travel for both business and personal reasons.