Flight Attendant Hospitalized After Falling from Plane Before Takeoff: Reports

A flight attendant has reportedly been injured after falling from a plane at an airport in England.

On Monday, Dec. 16, at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time, the woman — who works for the travel company TUI — was injured as the plane was preparing to leave at East Midlands Airport (EMA), according to the BBC.

EMA’s Operations Director, Simon Hinchley, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, “As first medical responders on site, our fire crews attended an incident on Monday when a member of TUI cabin crew sustained injuries as an aircraft was preparing to depart.” 

“East Midlands Ambulance Service attended and took the injured crew member to hospital. We wish her a speedy recovery and will assist all parties with the investigation,” Hinchley added.

The flight attendant reportedly opened the door of the aircraft “expecting the stairs to have still been attached,” according to local outlet Nottinghamshire Live. However, the stairs weren’t there and she fell, the publication stated, adding that an air ambulance was among the medical personnel called to the scene.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed to PEOPLE they’d “received a call” regarding a “medical emergency” at the airport on Monday.

“We sent a paramedic in a solo response car and an ambulance. The air ambulance was also in attendance. One patient was taken by ambulance to Queen’s Medical Centre,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE: “An accident which occurred at East Midlands Airport on Monday 16th December was notified to the AAIB.”

“An investigation has been launched and inspectors have visited the airport to gather evidence and make enquiries to understand more about the circumstances,” the statement added.

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A reader told the publication that the woman “fell to the tarmac” after opening the aircraft’s door.

“She opened the door, took a step out and the stairs that were supposed to be there were not there for whatever reason. She fell to the tarmac and I heard she was seriously injured,” they said, per the outlet. 

The Air Ambulance Service didn’t have any further information to add when contacted by PEOPLE. A U.K. Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement, “On background we are aware of this event, however the investigation is in the hands of the Air Accidents Investigations Branch, and Health and Safety Executive, therefore we would are unable to comment on this incident.”

TUI and the East Midlands Ambulance Service did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.