Authorities in South Florida have confirmed the discovery of two bodies inside the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The bodies were found after the plane had arrived from the Dominican Republic, raising questions about how the individuals were able to access the compartment.
Incident Details
The two individuals are believed to have boarded the aircraft illegally, likely attempting to stow away in the landing gear area, which is a dangerous and often fatal choice for unauthorized passengers. The discovery was made upon inspection after the plane landed. The names and identities of the deceased have not been released, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway.
Safety Risks of Stowing Away
Stowing away in the landing gear compartment is an extremely dangerous act. These compartments are not pressurized, and temperatures at high altitudes can drop to extremely low levels, often leading to hypothermia or death before the plane reaches cruising altitude. The air pressure changes, coupled with lack of oxygen, make it a perilous attempt for anyone seeking to illegally board a flight.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident is being investigated by local authorities in collaboration with the FBI and JetBlue. Airport and aviation security personnel are reviewing the event to understand how the stowaways were able to enter the restricted areas of the aircraft. This event underscores the continued risk of stowaways, despite increased security measures at airports worldwide.
JetBlue has not yet commented publicly on the matter, but has expressed cooperation with the authorities in their investigation. This tragic incident highlights the extreme risks of stowing away and serves as a reminder of the critical importance of airport and aviation security in preventing such occurrences.
