The discovery of a deceased stowaway in the wheel well of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777 has sparked concerns over airline security protocols. The Boeing 777, registered as PH-BQM, had originated from Lagos, Nigeria, and had arrived at its destination on Monday.
An investigation has been launched by the Royal Dutch Marechaussee to determine how and when the man was able to climb into the aircraft’s wheel well. Stowaways who hide in wheel wells face extreme temperatures that can drop to as low as minus fifty degrees during longer flights, making survival virtually impossible. Hypothermia is likely to be a contributing factor in this case, according to a spokesperson from the Royal Dutch Marechaussee.
The spokesperson stated, “Sometimes they survive, but most of the time it goes wrong given the sharp drop in temperature. On longer flights, temperatures can go down to minus fifty degrees, impossible to survive.”
Despite the risks involved, some individuals still attempt to use this method to travel without proper documentation or authorization, often seeking a better life or escaping difficult situations in their home countries.
The discovery of this deceased stowaway has brought to light the need for increased security measures and thorough inspections of aircraft before departure to prevent such incidents from occurring. Airlines and aviation authorities regularly review and update their security protocols to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew onboard.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in the aviation industry to safeguard against unauthorized access to aircraft and to protect the well-being of all individuals involved in air travel. As investigations continue, authorities will work towards identifying any potential gaps in security and implementing measures to address them effectively.