Explosive material found in aircraft

A packet containing an explosive material was found in the rear baggage hold area of a Kingfisher aircraft when it arrived at the airport here from Bangalore this morning, sending security officials into a tizzy.

The explosive material wrapped in a Malayalam newspaper was detected by cleaning staff who had entered the aircraft after the 27 passengers on board had disembarked. Security personnel immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the packet to a cooling pit. The aircraft was later taken to an isolated bay and a thorough search was carried.

No other explosive was detected.

Airport sources said the nature of the material weighing approximately 100 gm could be ascertained only after chemical analysis. The preliminary reports say the content of the package is gunpowder.

The aircraft has been grounded and will be cleared for flight operations only after security procedures, officials said.