US authorities seek to identify bodies found in JetBlue wheel well

Florida [US], January 8: Authorities in the United States have been working to identify two bodies discovered in the wheel well of a JetBlue plane shortly after it landed in the southern state of Florida. The bodies were found on Monday night during a routine post-flight inspection, according to the airline. The jet had arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
"At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation," JetBlue said in a statement. Wheel wells have been commonly used by individuals seeking to secretly board aircraft. However, hiding in the opening, where wheels are retracted after takeoff, often proves deadly. A 2011 FAA report examined 89 cases across the world of individuals stowing away in the external compartments of aircraft, such as the wheel wells. Just 18 survived, indicating an 80-percent fatality rate. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune