A major security scare brought London Stansted Airport to a standstill, triggering a full-scale emergency response and causing significant travel disruption.
The incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when baggage handlers made an alarming discovery while processing luggage. They found a clear plastic bag containing a mysterious white powder inside a passenger's suitcase, immediately raising fears of a hazardous substance.
Airport authorities didn't hesitate, initiating an immediate evacuation of the busy departure lounge as a precautionary measure. Travelers were swiftly moved to safety while specialist teams were called to the scene.
Essex Police confirmed they responded to reports of a "suspicious substance" at approximately 3:35 PM. The airport's fire service and other emergency units deployed to handle the potential threat, creating a dramatic scene at the typically bustling terminal.
Following a thorough examination by hazardous materials experts, the substance was determined to be non-dangerous. Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as accidental rather than malicious, though the nature of the powder hasn't been publicly disclosed.
The discovery caused substantial disruption to flight schedules and passenger movements during the evacuation period. Stansted Airport, one of London's major travel hubs serving over 28 million passengers annually, has since resumed normal operations.
An investigation is ongoing to determine how the substance came to be in the passenger's luggage and why it wasn't detected during initial security screening. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required in airport security protocols.
