Hazmat Crew Swarms Boston Flight After Ebola Scare
A hazmat crew boarded an Emirates Airlines flight when it landed at Boston’s Logan International Airport on Monday after reports that at least five people on board had flu-like symptoms. The incident comes amid growing fears in the U.S. over the spread of the deadly Ebola virus by those traveling from outside the country.
None of the passengers involved were believed to have traveled to West Africa, according to Massport (the public authority responsible for Massachusetts airports).
“Out of an abundance of caution, airport officials decided to isolate the sick passengers and evaluate their condition,” according to Matthew Brelis, spokesman for Massport.
Emirates Flight 237, which originated in Dubai, was held on the tarmac for more than two hours while emergency personnel wearing protective gear swarmed the plane and then boarded it.
— Social Media Joe (@purdanglez) October 13, 2014
Here’s another shot from Logan airport. At least two ambulances also there next to plane. @NECN pic.twitter.com/XWCsS896Um
— Kathryn Sotnik (@kathrynsotnik) October 13, 2014
Boston Fire and EMS later boarded the plane and escorted sick passengers from the aircraft. The passengers with symptoms were reportedly wearing masks. One passenger who was tweeting from the tarmac noted that the plane had been held for hours before passengers were escorted off. She said crews escorted five people off the plane.
Coming up on 2 hours now @emirates @BostonLogan. Here’s what looks like the 1st pssngr escorted off #takingnochances http://t.co/nSzp8bs0Uq
— Tracy Barahona (@barahont) October 13, 2014
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Patient 5 of EK237 escorted off. What a long day 🙁 #stuckonplane #noupdate #woof
Logan International Airport is one of five U.S. airports to introduce new screening measures on flights originating from Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, where the Ebola outbreak has hit the hardest.
Starting this week, travelers from those countries will be screened for signs of illness by having their temperature taken. Airport officials will also ask passengers questions about their current health and any potential exposure.
— Social Media Joe (@purdanglez) October 13, 2014
The recent Ebola outbreak has killed nearly 4,000 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The first person believed to have contracted Ebola in the U.S. was identified on Monday as healthcare worker Nina Pham.
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