By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyCreations – News & Media (ISC)
Published September 25th, 2024
Mesa, AZ — According to the Mesa Fire Department, an aircraft carrying prisoners made an emergency landing at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located at 6033 S Sossaman Rd, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. A Level 2 Aircraft Emergency was declared when the plane’s air conditioning system malfunctioned, causing several passengers to experience heat-related symptoms.
Mesa Fire & Medical Department received the emergency call, prompting a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including Mesa Police, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and federal authorities. The plane, which was transporting prisoners, required an extensive law enforcement and medical presence to secure the scene and provide aid.
Photo byApple Maps / iSkyCreations
Upon landing, emergency personnel from Mesa Fire, Mesa Police, and ICE immediately responded to the aircraft. Medical teams triaged and evaluated the individuals on board, many of whom showed signs of heat exhaustion or related conditions. Due to the large number of victims, more than nine ambulances were dispatched to the scene.