A woman was found deceased inside a car at the Terminal 1 parking area of Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday (6/24). The discovery occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time after local taxi drivers observed unusual fluid leaking from the vehicle, prompting an investigation by airport security and law enforcement.
How the discovery was made
The body was discovered by a group of online taxi drivers who regularly station themselves at the airport. Witness Bagus Tri reported that the drivers became suspicious when they noticed a vehicle leaking an abnormal amount of fluid, which he described as resembling radiator coolant or fuel. Upon inspecting the interior through the window, the drivers identified a woman sitting in the front passenger seat. According to Tri, the woman was wearing a yellow shirt and a hijab, and her body appeared swollen.
Did You Know?
The vehicle remained in the airport parking lot for an estimated four days before the discovery, according to information provided by the drivers who monitor the terminal area.
Ongoing investigation
General Manager of Juanda International Airport, Muhammad Tohir, confirmed the incident and stated that the facility is cooperating with authorities. The area surrounding the vehicle has been cordoned off with police tape to facilitate a forensic examination. Currently, a joint team including the Sidoarjo Police Inafis unit, Basarnas, and military personnel are on-site to conduct an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the woman’s death.
Expert Insight:
The presence of multiple specialized agencies—including forensic police and military personnel—suggests that authorities are treating the scene with high priority to preserve evidence. Given the duration the vehicle was reportedly parked, investigators will likely focus on surveillance footage and parking entry logs to establish a timeline of when the car arrived and if any other individuals were involved.
What happens next
The investigation is expected to move toward identifying the deceased and determining the cause of death. Officials have confirmed that the airport’s management is providing full support to the police during this process. A possible next step involves the forensic team performing an autopsy to clarify the timeline of the fatality, while investigators continue to review airport security protocols regarding long-term parking at the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the body found?
A group of online taxi drivers spotted the vehicle leaking an unusual fluid and discovered the woman inside while checking the car.
Where exactly was the car located?
The vehicle was found in the parking area of Terminal 1 at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.
How long had the car been at the airport?
While the exact duration is part of the ongoing investigation, witnesses reported that the vehicle may have been parked in the area for approximately four days.
What steps should airports take to better monitor vehicles left in long-term parking lots?
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