Tragic Incident in Newark: Baggage Conveyor Belts Carry Away 2-Year-Old Boy, Authorities Respond Quickly
Port Authority Police at Newark Airport rescue 2-year-old from conveyor belt just days before runway reopens to ease delays.
A dramatic rescue unfolded last week at Newark Liberty International Airport when a 2-year-old boy became trapped in the facility's luggage screening area. The incident occurred Wednesday evening as travelers filled Terminal A, and the child's mother was engaged in conversation with a JetBlue counter agent. In a moment of distraction, the toddler was swept away on a baggage drop-off conveyor belt, raising immediate concern among nearby passengers and airport staff.
According to airport officials, the child slipped onto the moving conveyor and was quickly carried out of sight, eventually dropping down a chute into the lower level of the checked baggage room. Upon realizing what had happened, members of the Port Authority Police Department sprang into action. Officers entered the intricate network of conveyor belts, navigating the complex system for approximately four minutes before locating the boy just before he reached a high-powered x-ray machine.
The quick response and courage of the police officers prevented what could have been a much more serious outcome. The Port Authority Police Benevolent Association described the rescue as "without hesitation," underscoring the potential dangers the child faced within the machinery. Both the toddler and his mother were found to be unharmed after the ordeal, with the child's grandfather expressing immense gratitude to the officers who participated in the rescue effort.
Airport officials and representatives from JetBlue did not immediately issue public statements regarding the incident. Safety protocols surrounding baggage handling areas remain under review as authorities assess how the child was able to access the conveyor system undetected.
This episode comes as Newark Liberty International Airport works to resolve other operational challenges. The airport recently made headlines for reopening a major runway nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, allowing for the resumption of regular operations on Monday. The Port Authority accelerated construction to minimize disruptions, employing additional crews and extending work hours around the clock to complete the project swiftly.
Governor Phil Murphy praised the expedited schedule, highlighting the dedication of crews and the importance of inter-agency cooperation. "I’m grateful for New Jersey’s partnership with the Port Authority and the FAA as we work to return to full capacity at Newark Airport," Murphy stated, reaffirming the state's commitment to modernizing air traffic control infrastructure and enhancing overall airport safety.
