Tragic Incident in Newark: Baggage Conveyor Belt Carries Away 2-Year-Old Boy, Authorities Respond swiftly
Port Authority Police rescue 2-year-old from Newark conveyor belt just days before runway reopening eases delays.
A dramatic rescue unfolded at Newark Liberty International Airport last week when a 2-year-old boy became trapped in the facility’s luggage screening system. The incident took place at the JetBlue ticketing counter on the departures level, just after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening. According to airport officials, the child was inadvertently swept onto a conveyor belt and carried away from his family, prompting an immediate response from authorities.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the young boy disappeared down a chute to the lower level of Terminal A’s checked baggage area. Port Authority Police Department officers responded swiftly, entering the conveyor system themselves in pursuit of the child. The urgency was clear—the boy was headed toward an x-ray machine, and every second counted. After a tense four minutes navigating the maze-like network of belts and machinery, officers successfully located and rescued the toddler before he could be harmed.
“The cops, realizing the danger the child was in, without hesitation, entered the conveyor system and… located the child who was headed for an x-ray machine,” the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association stated following the incident. The child’s frightening ordeal ended happily, with both the boy and his mother confirmed to be okay. The family—especially the boy’s grandfather—expressed heartfelt gratitude to the officers who sprang into action.
JetBlue has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. Airport officials are reviewing protocols around the ticketing area to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future, noting that increased vigilance among passengers and staff is crucial, especially in busy departure zones where children may inadvertently wander away.
The incident comes amid a period of heightened focus on airport operations at Newark. The airport recently resumed normal runway operations earlier than expected, reopening a major runway nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. This move is part of ongoing efforts to address persistent flight delays and air traffic control challenges. The rapid completion was made possible by expanded work shifts and round-the-clock construction crews, a fact praised by state and airport leaders alike.
“I commend the crews who have worked tirelessly to get this critical project done ahead of schedule,” said Governor Phil Murphy. He reaffirmed New Jersey’s commitment to supporting plans to modernize air traffic control and increase staffing levels, aiming to improve passenger safety and efficiency at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
