Man slashes throat on Virgin flight to Caribbean
Passengers on a holiday flight from London to the Caribbean watched in horror as a man slashed his throat.
The illegal immigrant was being deported to Jamaica onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight when he inflicted the injury on himself.
As a result, flight VS69 from London Gatwick to Kingston, which was due to take off at 12.45 yesterday has been delayed until 12.45 today.
A Virgin spokeswoman said the passenger had been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which were described by the UK Border Agency as 'superficial'. Emergency services prevented more serious injury by 'gluing' the man's throat together.
Virgin has offered counselling support to passengers and crew and all 449 passengers onboard the Boeing 747 were offered overnight hotel accommodation and refreshments or the option to change their flight.
The UK Border Agency said it was conducting an investigation into how the man managed to injure himself.
The Virgin spokeswoman added: "The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is Virgin Atlantic's top priority. Virgin Atlantic is cooperating with the authorities in their investigation of the incident and is offering counselling support to passengers and crew."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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