Emergency evacuation at Kotoka International Airport after smoking luggage incident

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra on Sunday afternoon when a passenger's luggage began emitting smoke in the Terminal 3 departure hall.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) confirmed the incident occurred around 15:27 G.M.T. 

According to a statement issued by GACL management, vigilant staff quickly identified the smoking luggage at the baggage wrapping area and swiftly isolated it.

Following established emergency procedures, authorities immediately evacuated passengers from the terminal. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The passenger whose luggage caused the disruption was identified and handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for questioning.

The GACL highlighted the importance of adhering to international aviation regulations, reminding passengers that traveling with batteries is strictly prohibited.

The statement added that any prohibited items discovered in luggage will be confiscated, and the passenger may face further action from authorities.

Management expressed their gratitude to passengers for their cooperation during the evacuation, highlighting their commitment to passenger safety as their top priority. Normal operations at the terminal have since resumed.

Read the entire statement below;

INCIDENT AT TERMINAL 3 DEPARTURE HALL, KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIA)

Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 3.27pm, a passenger's luggage was detected to be emitting smoke at the baggage wrap area at the Departure Hall, Terminal 3, KIA.

The Operations Room of Aviation Security Department was immediately alerted and the luggage in question was swiftly isolated. Passengers in the terminal at the time were quickly evacuated in line with GACL's Emergency Operations procedures.

The passenger has been handed over to the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) for interrogation. Passengers are advised not to travel with batteries, as this is against International Civil Aviation Regulations. Any detection of batteries or any other prohibited items or substances in luggage, will be confiscated and the passenger handed over to the authorities for processing.

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Management wishes to thank passengers who were in the departure hall at the time of the incident for their cooperation during the evacuation process. The safety of our passengers is paramount.

All passenger facilitation and terminal operations have resumed smoothly.

SIGNED MANAGEMENT 22nd SEPTEMBER 2024