Two Found Dead in JetBlue Wheel Well After Flight from New York
Fort Lauderdale, FL – A tragic incident unfolded at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport overnight when two bodies were discovered within the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue Airways aircraft.
Investigation Underway:
JetBlue confirmed the discovery, stating that the individuals were found during a routine inspection after the plane landed. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, had arrived from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Circumstances Remain Unclear:
The circumstances surrounding how the individuals accessed the aircraft remain under investigation. Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Medical Examiner’s Office are working to determine their identities and the cause of death.
Possible Security Breach:
The incident has raised serious security concerns. “It’s clearly a security breach,” stated JetBlue passenger Steve Daoust.
Hazardous Conditions:
Temperatures at cruising altitude are extremely low, and the wheel well is neither pressurized nor heated. This makes stowing away in such a location extremely dangerous and often fatal.
Similar Incident:
This tragic event follows a similar incident over the holidays in Hawaii, where a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight.
JetBlue Statement:
JetBlue expressed its condolences and committed to fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
