Airport’s 9/11 fire drill sparks outrage
The operators of Boston’s airport have apologized for holding an emergency fire training drill yesterday, on the anniversary of 9/11.
Hundreds of people have criticized the airport on its Facebook page after it held a fire drill, which included the use of roaring flames and heavy smoke, on the anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.
They said the move was insensitive, stupid and thoughtless, particularly as two of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001, had originated at Boston Logan International Airport.
In a statement, the Massachusetts Port Authority apologized and said it understands it may have offended many of those touched by the events of September 11.
"Safety and security is our top priority and constant vigilance and readiness is critical, but the exercise should not have taken place on the anniversary of 9/11," it said.
Passengers on arriving flights said they were taken aback at the sight of what appeared to be a plane on fire on the ground, and many believed some sort of terrorist action had just taken place.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick told the Boston Globe the decision to hold the drill was "just dumb."
By Bev Fearis, TravelMole UK
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