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U.S. authorities identified the two men whose bodies were found in the landing gear of a JetBlue plane at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
It concerns the young individuals Elvis Borquez Castillo (16 years old) and Jeik Anilus Lusi (age unspecified), who were identified by their mothers through photographs and confirmed via DNA tests, according to a report by NBC Miami.
The discovery occurred on January 7 during a routine maintenance inspection following the plane's landing in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward Sheriff's Office reported that the investigation agents traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet with the victims' families and gather additional information.
Margarita Luisi Elisma, mother of Lusi, and Ironelis Castillo, mother of Borquez Castillo, confirmed the identity of their children in a meeting with the authorities. Forensic evidence revealed that the cause of death for both was asphyxiation or lack of oxygen, although the exact circumstances under which they managed to board the plane remain under investigation.
Furthermore, it was confirmed that Borquez Castillo, known as "Mello" or "El Flaco," had been reported missing on January 4th in Bávaro, Punta Cana. According to the Dominican Listín Diario, his family had offered a reward of 50,000 Dominican pesos for any information regarding his whereabouts.
According to FlightAware, the plane in question made a stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on January 5, before continuing its route to New York and subsequently landing in Florida.
This incident has raised concerns about security at airports and the dangers faced by those attempting to travel clandestinely on commercial flights.
Aviation experts explained that the landing gear of airplanes is not pressurized and temperatures can drop to -50 degrees Celsius, making any attempt to travel in that area extremely dangerous.
The Dominican community, both on the island and in the United States, has reacted with dismay to the incident. Many people have expressed their sorrow on social media, while others are calling for stricter controls at airports to prevent similar tragedies.
The medical examiner of Broward County continues to work on the final identification of the deceased and the clarification of the case. Meanwhile, authorities hope that the investigations will provide greater clarity about what happened and offer answers to the affected families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the landing gear incident on JetBlue
Who were the people found in the landing gear of the JetBlue plane?
The individuals found in the landing gear of a JetBlue airplane were identified as Elvis Borquez Castillo, 16 years old, and Jeik Anilus Lusi. Authorities confirmed their identities through DNA testing, and the mothers of the young men recognized them from photographs.
How did the young people found in the landing gear die?
The young people died from asphyxiation or lack of oxygen. Such incidents highlight the dangers of hiding in an aircraft's landing gear, where conditions can be extremely inhospitable due to lack of pressurization and temperatures that can drop to -50 degrees Celsius.
What are the risks of traveling as a stowaway in an airplane's landing gear?
Traveling as a stowaway in an airplane's landing gear is extremely dangerous. The risks include being crushed by the landing gear mechanism, falling when the doors open, lack of oxygen, and extremely low temperatures that can lead to unconsciousness or death. Only 20% of those who attempt to travel this way survive.
What security measures are being questioned following the incident with JetBlue?
The incident raises serious questions about security measures at airports. Authorities are investigating how the youths managed to access the plane undetected, which has reignited the debate over the need to strengthen airport security to prevent similar tragedies.
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