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Kuwait-bound flight diverts to UK from New York after passengers fall ill

It is believed that the reason for the diversion of Kuwait Airways Flight 118 was a medical emergency and not a terrorist incident.

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London - A Kuwait-bound plane from New York was forced to turn midway over Europe and make an emergency landing at UK’s Heathrow airport here on Saturday after several passengers reported illness presumably caused by food poisoning.

It is believed that the reason for the diversion of Kuwait Airways Flight 118 was a medical emergency and not a terrorist incident.

The plane sent out an emergency signal as it travelled over Europe shortly after 8 am (local time) and turned back over Germany.

The Boeing 777 headed straight for Britain and landed at the Heathrow Airport.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said: “It was a routine diversion for a medical emergency.”

Ill passengers were taken off the plane and are being treated, a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said, although she could not confirm their symptoms.

Media reports suggested the landing was forced due to an outbreak of food poisoning on board. Unconfirmed reports are claiming that at least six passengers were being affected by severe food poisoning.

The flight is expected to continue its journey to Kuwait City later on Saturday.

The event came a day after a suicide bomber blew himself up during prayers at a mosque in the Kuwaiti capital, killing 27 people. 

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