It has been confirmed that the Belgian Judicial Authorities, together with SN Brussels Airlines have instigated an investigation into the case involving a dead body, which was found in the wheel of SN Brussels Airline aircraft, operating flight SN 204 that left Banjul International Airport on 15 January, via Dakar, Senegal to Brussels Airport on Monday morning.

In a joint report from the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and SN Brussels Airlines, the said flight departed Banjul International Airport and was bound for Belgian, via Dakar and upon landing in Brussels, it was alleged that a corpse was found inside the wheel of the aircraft.

According to the GCAA, and SN Brussels, a maintenance worker discovered the body shortly before 08:00 am local time on Monday morning after the SN Brussels Airlines flight SN 204, which kicked in Banjul via Dakar landed Brussels Airport.

The flight the report added, was operated by an Airbus 330-300 long haul aircraft and the body was later found in the wheel well NO 1. “The airline has also initiated an internal inquiry and has informed the Belgian Civil Aviation Administration. Unfortunately, similar incidents have happened in the aviation industry several times in the past, despite all efforts to prevent them,” the report stated.

The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority assured the general public and all airport users of their continued commitment to ensure that safety and security standards are maintained at the Banjul International Airport.

Investigation is currently being mounted to establish the identity of the deceased.