A Swiss Air jet has been subjected to a cordoned-off area at Barcelona’s El Prat airport after an alleged radioactive spill from a suitcase in the plane’s hold.
Emergency teams, including air response and radiological specialists, rushed to Terminal 1, prompting closures of certain areas.
The 134 passengers and five crew members on the flight from Zurich to Barcelona were initially forced to stay on the aircraft before being isolated in an airport room.
Passengers and Crew in Isolation: Precautionary Measures After Suspected Radioactive Spill
Amid concerns about a potential radioactive spill, the 134 passengers and five crew members of the Swiss Air flight found themselves initially confined to the aircraft before being relocated to an isolated area within the airport.
The suspected spill, discovered in the plane’s hold, triggered emergency protocols, leading to precautionary measures for those on board.
Emergency Response Teams at Work: Firefighters and Radiology Experts Tackle the Incident
Firefighters, totaling 13 crews, have been actively working on the scene to ensure the safety of the affected area.
The reported spill, detected in a suitcase carrying medical supplies, originated from a situation that unfolded while the aircraft was en route.
The passengers were restricted from disembarking, awaiting assessments from radiology experts to determine the potential risks associated with the suspected spill.
Airports Operations Unaffected: Minimal Damage Reported in Low-Intensity Spill
While the incident was labeled as “minor” and the risk assessment categorized the spill as of “low intensity,” Aena, the airport management company, assured the public that there is no damage to the airport’s infrastructure.
A regional emergency response coordination center activated protocols for radiological emergencies, emphasizing a swift response to address the situation.
Alert Deactivated: Passengers Allowed to Disembark After Three Hours
After thorough assessments and verification of no ongoing risks, Aena announced the deactivation of the alert shortly after 1:30 pm local time.
Passengers and crew, who had been in isolation for approximately three hours, were finally permitted to disembark.
A spokesperson for Swiss International Airlines confirmed that the flight, LX1952, operated by an Air Baltic Airbus A220, continued its journey to Zurich after authorities released the aircraft.
Investigations Ongoing: Local Authorities Probe into Medical Supplies Incident
The suspected radioactive spill was traced to a box containing medical supplies, leading to investigations by local authorities.
Aena reiterated that the incident had not affected other flights or airport operations. Swiss International Airlines affirmed ongoing investigations into the incident by local authorities.
The airline noted that the affected aircraft has been released and is en route to its destination.
This incident, labeled as a “low-intensity” radioactive spill, underscores the importance of swift emergency response and coordination to ensure public safety at international airports.