A jet passenger was fighting for life after a bag fell from an overhead locker and hit him on the head.

Gasps broke out on the packed British Airways plane after the injured man was hit with a “terrible sound” and fell to the floor.

Cabin crew did not see the incident, which happened as the aircraft was waiting at London’s Heathrow airport to take off for Thai capital Bangkok.

Paramedics were called to the aircraft and the man, who is thought to have been travelling alone, was taken to Hillingdon Hospital in nearby Uxbridge.

A source told The Sun: “The passenger was getting ready for the flight when suddenly the overhead locker burst open and a heavy-duty bag landed on his head.

“There was a terrible sound on impact and he collapsed. It was a freak accident but the poor flier was described as fighting for his life.”

BA confirmed the incident on Monday afternoon, saying: “Our crew cared for a customer who was injured after boarding the aircraft.

“We take the health and safety of our customers very seriously and our cabin crew receive extensive training to deal with incidents on board.

“He was taken to a local hospital and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

London Ambulance Service said: “We treated a man for a head injury and he was taken to hospital as a priority.” (The Sun)