Dramatic Scene Unfolds at Kotoka International Airport
A startling incident occurred at Accra's Kotoka International Airport on Sunday afternoon, sending shockwaves through Terminal 3's departure hall. A passenger's luggage suddenly began emitting smoke, prompting swift action from vigilant airport staff.
Swift Response and Evacuation
At 15:27 G.M.T., staff at the baggage wrapping area quickly identified the smoking luggage and isolated it. Following established emergency procedures, authorities promptly evacuated passengers from the terminal, ensuring everyone's safety. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Investigation and Action
The passenger responsible for the disruption was identified and handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for questioning. The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) emphasized the importance of adhering to international aviation regulations, specifically highlighting the prohibition on traveling with batteries.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
GACL warned that any prohibited items discovered in luggage will be confiscated, and passengers may face further action from authorities. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering to airline regulations to ensure passenger safety.
Return to Normalcy
Following the evacuation, normal operations at Terminal 3 have resumed. GACL management expressed gratitude to passengers for their cooperation during the incident, reaffirming their commitment to prioritizing passenger safety.
Incident Highlights:
- Smoking luggage identified at the baggage wrapping area
- Swift evacuation and isolation of luggage
- Passenger handed over to NIB for questioning
- The importance of adhering to international aviation regulations emphasized
- Normal operations resumed at Terminal 3
INCIDENT AT TERMINAL 3 DEPARTURE HALL, KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)
Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27pm, a passenger's luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.
The Operations Room of the Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL's Emergency Operations procedures.
The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations. Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage will be confiscated and the passenger will be handed over to the authorities for processing.
Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process. The safety of our passengers is paramount.
All passenger facilitation and terminal operations have resumed smoothly.
SIGNED MANAGEMENT 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024
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