A Hertfordshire mother has described the terrifying moment her dream holiday turned into a nightmare after her two-year-old son's leg became trapped in a security conveyor belt at Stansted Airport.
Chloe Spencer, from Bishop's Stortford, was travelling with her family for a holiday to Ibiza when the shocking incident unfolded. As they passed through security, her young son, Albie, stumbled and his leg was dragged into the machinery of the moving belt.
"He was screaming, I was screaming. It was absolute panic," Chloe recounted, the horror of the event still vivid. "His leg was being pulled in and crushed. I thought he was going to lose his limb."
Despite her desperate attempts to free him, the machinery's grip was too powerful. Airport staff rushed to stop the belt and, after what felt like an eternity, managed to pry the conveyor apart to release Albie's leg.
Aftermath and Recovery
The immediate aftermath saw the distressed toddler rushed to hospital. Miraculously, despite the severe trauma and extensive bruising, no bones were broken. The family's holiday, however, was completely ruined.
Chloe is now speaking out to demand a thorough investigation and immediate safety improvements. "This can't happen to another child," she insisted. "The design of these machines needs to be looked at. There are obvious gaps that are a danger to small children."
A spokesperson for Stansted Airport confirmed they are reviewing the incident and are in direct contact with the family to offer support. The event has raised serious questions about passenger safety protocols, particularly concerning young children in high-traffic airport areas.
