U.S. authorities have identified the bodies of two young men found in the landing gear of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The victims are Elvis Borquez Castillo, 16, and Jeik Anilus Lusi, whose age remains unspecified. Their mothers identified them through photographs, and DNA testing confirmed their identities, according to a report by NBC Miami.
The grim discovery was made on January 7 during a routine maintenance check after the plane landed in Fort Lauderdale. Investigators from the Broward Sheriff's Office traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet with the victims' families and gather more information.
Margarita Luisi Elisma, mother of Lusi, and Ironelis Castillo, mother of Borquez Castillo, confirmed their sons' identities during a meeting with authorities. Forensic analysis indicated that both young men died from asphyxiation or lack of oxygen, though the precise circumstances of how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation.
Background and Implications of the Incident
It was also verified that Borquez Castillo, nicknamed "Mello" or "El Flaco," had been reported missing on January 4 in Bávaro, Punta Cana. As stated by the Dominican newspaper Listín Diario, his family had offered a reward of 50,000 Dominican pesos for any information on his whereabouts.
According to FlightAware, the aircraft had made a stop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on January 5 before continuing its journey to New York and eventually landing in Florida.
Concerns Over Airport Security and Stowaway Risks
This tragic event has raised alarms about airport security and the extreme risks faced by individuals attempting clandestine travel on commercial flights. Aviation experts have noted that the landing gear compartments of airplanes are not pressurized, and temperatures can plummet to -50 degrees Celsius, rendering such attempts extremely hazardous.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Dominican community, both on the island and in the United States, has responded with shock and sorrow. Many have expressed their condolences on social media, while others are calling for stricter airport security measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The Broward County medical examiner continues to work on the final identification of the deceased and clarification of the case. Meanwhile, authorities hope that further investigations will shed more light on the incident and provide answers to the grieving families.
Key Questions about the JetBlue Incident
What caused the deaths of the young men found in the landing gear?
The forensic investigation revealed that the cause of death was asphyxiation or lack of oxygen.
What steps are being taken to improve airport security?
There are calls for stricter security measures at airports to prevent similar clandestine attempts at travel.
How did the authorities identify the victims?
The victims were identified through photographs recognized by their mothers and confirmed by DNA tests.