Virgin Atlantic passengers quarantined after 'illness' breaks out on plane
One person onboard says the group has "flu-like symptoms" and five cabin crew members became ill mid-flight.
Wednesday 6 March 2019 15:29, UK
An entire plane-load of passengers and crew was put into quarantine after landing in Britain when a widespread sickness broke out onboard.
More than 440 holidaymakers were returning from a cruise in the Caribbean when the bug struck.
Emergency service staff met the Virgin Atlantic plane at London Gatwick and treated around 30 people, with a further three taken to hospital.
Passenger Trevor Wilson wrote on Twitter: "The illness seems to have originated on board the ship not the plane.
"Five members of cabin crew became sick on the flight."
He added that the sickness was "mainly a bad chesty cough, possibly chest infection" with "flu-like symptoms".
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said it had launched a "full investigation" into the circumstances.
They added: "The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our absolute priority."
South East Coast Ambulance service confirmed it sent its Hazardous Response Team and specialist paramedics when the call came in at 5am on Wednesday morning.
The cruise company has launched its own investigation.
It said there had been "no cases of acute gastroenteritis" reported in the last two weeks on board its ship, the MSC Preziosa.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: "In keeping with health and safety procedures, the relevant authorities were informed and an assessment was taken on board."