By Albert Otti

Graz (Austria) - One week after the emergency landing of a Swiss airplane in Graz due to smoke in the cabin, a flight attendant has died in a clinic. This was announced by the Swiss Lufthansa subsidiary .

"We are all deeply shocked by the death of our esteemed colleague," said Swiss CEO Jens Fehlinger (43). "Our thoughts are with the young man's relatives, whose pain must be immeasurable."

The Airbus A220-300 was on its way from Bucharest (Romania) to Zurich on December 23. According to the airline, there were engine problems and smoke had spread in the cabin and cockpit. The plane therefore had to land in Graz, Austria.

After landing on the runway without any problems, the passengers and crew had to leave the aircraft via emergency slides. Graz Airport was closed for several hours.

Twelve of the 74 passengers and two crew members were taken to hospital. Almost all of them have since been able to leave the hospital again - except for the employee who has now died and was treated in an intensive care unit.

Investigations into the exact cause of the incident are still ongoing, a Swiss spokesperson told the German Press Agency.

According to the airline, the investigations into the cause and effects of the smoke are complex. The airline does not yet have access to all the data and technical information, as the authorities in Austria have been entrusted with the primary investigation.

"Until we have reliable information, we ask for your understanding that we cannot provide any further details at the moment. Speculation is dubious in such cases," it said.