Barcelona: Suitcase on Swiss Flight Sparks Radioactive Scare, Passengers Briefly Held
Barcelona, Spain – A scare erupted at Barcelona-El Prat Airport on Tuesday after a suitcase on a Swiss Airlines flight from Barcelona to Zurich leaked “low-intensity” radioactive material.
The leak, believed to have originated from a damaged medical product within the suitcase, prompted authorities to activate emergency protocols, holding the plane and its 130 passengers for several hours. Radiological experts conducted a thorough inspection and declared the area safe, easing concerns.
As a precautionary measure, five airport employees and some passengers were briefly isolated at a medical center for observation. Officials emphasized that the material posed minimal risk and the isolation was purely protocol-driven.
El Prat Airport remained operational throughout the incident, except for the specific terminal where the affected plane landed, which was temporarily cordoned off for safety. Local reports confirmed that other flights were unaffected.
“Authorities responded swiftly and effectively to this unexpected situation,” said a spokesperson for Spain’s civil protection agency. “The leak was contained, the area deemed safe, and there is no danger to the public.”
An investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the exact source of the leak and ensure it doesn’t recur. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols in place at airports and the swift response required in such situations.
