A320 flight attendants reported excessive cabin temperatures at the gate due to inoperative APU and no air cooling. Several passengers experienced physiological effects and the aircraft was deplaned.
Synopsis
A320 flight attendants reported excessive cabin temperatures at the gate due to inoperative APU and no air cooling. Several passengers experienced physiological effects and the aircraft was deplaned.
Narrative
We were on Aircraft X. We unexpectedly diverted to ZZZ due to there being an airspace stop in ZZZ1. Aircraft X APU is not working. Making the aircraft really hot. After pulling up to the gate the Captain demanded to the gate agent to let the pax off it was too hot for them to be on the plane while we wait for the airspace to open back up in ZZZ1. It was expected to be a 2.5 hour stop. We ended up boarding approximately 40 mins after letting everyone off. During boarding because the lack of air on the ground the Captain gave us permission to open a couple of aircraft doors to try and get circulation. It wasn't helping. While waiting on final paperwork and sitting on a fully loaded plane we handed out tri-fold paper towels that we had soaked in ice water to help keep people cool. At this point it was well over 95 degrees on the plane. We get confirmation to close up and get ready to depart. After closing up the doors and going back through demo they were trying to air start the aircraft. After 2 aborted attempts at starting the aircraft we were told by Captain we have to open back up and to disarm our doors. This is when the passengers came from mid cabin having a hard time breathing. Shortness of breath and could hardly breath at all. She mentioned she was about to pass out. While this is happening I exchanged a thumbs up to the gate agent while grabbing oxygen for the sick passenger. As soon as that door opened I immediately asked for her to get paramedics here asap we have a medical. We had to get this lady off the plane where she could get air and breath. With assistance from myself and an RN we helped her move off the aircraft onto the jet bridge next to the boarding door where the nurse was assessing her vitals. At the point we have oxygen on her; ice pack as well as cold towel behind her neck. Paramedics came and took her for further examination. We immediately deplaned the rest of the aircraft as it was not safe to have anyone on board in the heat and no air flow. Passengers began getting vulgar and verbally aggressive at flight crew at this point. Once everyone was off the aircraft the Captain came and spoke with us and said that while everyone was on board the plane was over 100 degrees. Aircraft X has had apu issues for a while now and it needs fixed. Not deferred. For the safety of passengers and crew. We should not have boarded with how hot it was. But Dispatch told gate agents to board.
Second reporter narrative
After diverting to ZZZ instead of the scheduled landing in ZZZ1; passengers were declined due to inoperative with inop PACs and no working ground air at the gate. Once aircraft was refueled and air start acquired; passengers were then reboarded into a reading cabin temp of 90 degrees which increased to over 100 once everyone was seated and ready to push back. Aitstart was attempted twice with no success. After the second time; passenger jumped up; panicking they could not breath due it being was too hot and very stuffy and started to hyperventilate. Passenger was immediately then administer oxygen while lead flight attendant also called for disarming of doors due to failed air start. Pax stumbled to door to try and exit. Passenger was held off. Oxygen was administered ;when the door was open; passenger was to assisted immediately onto the jet bridge. Ice pack made and provided to back of neck to help cool pax. another passenger jumped up to assist stated she was an ER nurse took blood pressure. Medical professionals escorted the passenger wheelchair to the area of her further assessment.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.