A stowaway who is believed to be attempting escape from Nigeria was found in the landing gear of a KLM Royal Dutch aircraft Boeing 777 (registered PH-BQM) at Schiphol Airport on Monday. The man was lifeless when he was discovered.
The plane had departed from the Muritala Mohamed Airport Lagos, A flight of more than six and a half hours, about 7000 kilometers. The plane made several wanderings before landing at Schiphol.
The discovery has prompted an investigation into how and when the individual was able to access the aircraft.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of attempting to travel without proper documentation or authorization via this method, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus fifty degrees on longer flights, making survival nearly impossible. Despite the risks, some individuals still attempt to stow away in search of a better life or to escape difficult situations in their home countries.
The aviation industry continuously updates and reviews security protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and this discovery underscores the need for increased security measures and thorough inspections before departure.
According to a spokesperson from the Royal Dutch Marechaussee, the extreme temperatures in the wheel wells of aircraft pose a significant threat, and hypothermia is likely to be a contributing factor in this case.
Stay with IgbereTV, Africa’s number online community TV
