A grim discovery was made at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport late Monday night when two bodies were found in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue Airbus A320.
The aircraft, which had arrived from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, was undergoing a routine post-flight maintenance check when the bodies were discovered. The identities of the deceased individuals remain unknown, and authorities are working to determine how they gained access to the plane.
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This incident raises serious concerns about airport security and the potential for individuals to breach restricted areas. Authorities will be reviewing security footage and protocols at both JFK and Fort Lauderdale airports to determine if any breaches occurred.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, with their homicide and crime scene units processing the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have also been notified and may become involved in the investigation.
Accessing the landing gear compartment of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and typically requires specialized knowledge and access.
The compartment is not pressurized or heated, and individuals attempting to stow away face extreme cold, lack of oxygen, and the risk of being crushed by the landing gear during takeoff or landing.
This incident raises serious concerns about airport security and the potential for individuals to breach restricted areas. Authorities will be reviewing security footage and protocols at both JFK and Fort Lauderdale airports to determine if any breaches occurred.
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