An inquest into the tragic crash of EgyptAir flight MS804 has concluded that an oxygen fire caused the disaster, which took the lives of 66 people, including British passenger Richard Osman. The flight disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea on May 19, 2016, while traveling from Paris to Cairo.
The coroner, Mark Layton, held the inquest in Carmarthenshire and dismissed an earlier report by Egyptian investigators that suggested a deliberate explosion onboard. Instead, he supported the findings of a British expert who indicated that a fire likely broke out in the cockpit, potentially due to a leak from an oxygen mask.
During the inquest, Layton expressed his condolences to Mr. Osman’s family, emphasizing the long wait for answers. He acknowledged that the investigation was delayed as they gathered all necessary evidence. The fire was determined to have spread rapidly, leading to the crash as the aircraft became uncontrollable.
Richard Osman, a 40-year-old geologist from Carmarthen, was among 59 passengers and seven crew members who perished. His widow, Aurelie Vandeputte, remembered him as a cherished family member, father, and friend.
In a narrative conclusion, Layton stated, "Richard Osman was a passenger of a commercial flight MS804, travelling from Paris to Cairo, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea." He noted that the fire was likely caused by an ignition source related to the first officer’s oxygen supply system, possibly due to an oxygen leak.
Layton also mentioned that he would prepare a report aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. The inquest brought some closure to the families affected by the crash, but the loss remains deeply felt.