×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Stowaway dies after falling from British Airways plane from Johannesburg

South African and British authorities are investigating the circumstances around two stowaways who sneaked onto a flight from Johannesburg to London.

One of the two stowaways died while the other is in a serious condition in hospital after holding on to the undercarriage of a British Airways Boeing 747 during the 11-hour flight.

The man who died was found dead on the roof of a London office block after plunging from the jumbo jet as it approached Heathrow Airport yesterday morning‚ British media reported today. He is thought to have been hiding in the wheel recess before the death plunge.

“Airports Company South Africa can confirm that O.R Tambo International Airport received a report from South African Police Services of suspected stowaways on a British Airways flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow on Wednesday at 19:45‚” Acsa said in a statement today.

“We can establish that the authorities in London are currently investigating the matter and making efforts to establish the identity of the stowaways.

“It is believed that one of the stowaways is a male aged between 25 and 30 years and is at a West London hospital in a serious condition.

“As this is a very serious (incident)‚ Airports Company South Africa is working closely with the South African Police Services to fully investigate the matter and establish the facts relating to the incident.”

In 2012‚ the body of a stowaway was found in the landing-gear bay of a British Airways flight from Cape Town.

He was believed to have scaled a fence to access the plane. Airport officials said then that security had been beefed up. Amongst the measures taken was for a security guard to watch over all international flight departures and arrivals after dusk. Security at the perimeter fence was also strengthened.

 

 

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.