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OR Tambo Airport Returns to Normal after Bomb Scare

Operations are back to normal at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, following the discovery of an unattended bag earlier in the day… which sparked fears of a planted bomb. Speaking to SAnews, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs at the airport Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, said the bag was found near the international arrivals airport terminal. “Upon the discovery of […]

By SAPeople Contributor
19-02-18 19:31
in Eish!

Operations are back to normal at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, following the discovery of an unattended bag earlier in the day… which sparked fears of a planted bomb.

or tambo
OR Tambo. Source: Airports Company South Africa Facebook page.

Speaking to SAnews, Senior Manager Corporate Affairs at the airport Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, said the bag was found near the international arrivals airport terminal.

“Upon the discovery of the bag, the airport Canine Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS) were called to scene,” she said.

It was then that the vicinity was vacated.

Pictures of crowds outside the airport circulated on social media following the evacuation.

“However, I can confirm that as of 15 minutes ago, things are back to normal at the airport,” she said.

SAPS said: “The dogs were deployed to ascertain whether there were explosives in the bag but the dogs reacted negatively. The bag was then opened under controlled detonation by the SAPS explosives unit. ”

At this stage investigations are underway to confirm the contents of the bag.

An SABC reported said that the luggage contained clothes and “something that looked like batteries”.

Several different rumours spread on social media – one traveller who arrived at the airport said “I thought I was gonna die today, Yesses, what a bad feeling. There was a BOMP EXPLOSION at OR Tambo international Airport….Thanx God I’m still alive!” Another traveller said: “When I arrived at the airport, was told there was a bomb threat and possibly wouldn’t be able to fly. Turned out to be a fire somewhere… so all okay. My face must have been a picture!!!!!!”

This incident was not part of the simulation that is yet to take place in Kempton Park this evening.

Members of the public and or passengers are advised not to leave bags unattended as it poses a potential security risk. We maintain the high police visibility in and around the airport as per integrated multi- disciplinary plan that is implemented, said SAPS

Sources: SAnews.gov.za, FB/OR Tambo Airport, SAPS

Please take note if you’re flying this evening: