Two die hiding in plane's landing gear

Police have not released the nationalities of two people whose bodies were found on a runway in Ecuador, after they presumably tried to stow away on a plane.

Two presumed stowaways have died in Ecuador after they fell from the landing gear of a New York-bound plane.

The airport in the coastal city of Guayaquil had to close for 90 minutes while the two bodies were removed from the runway.

Police would not reveal the nationality or identities of the two individuals, but said they likely fainted or were ejected after takeoff.

The Latam-operated flight continued its journey, although authorities said the aircraft could be required to return to Ecuador to assist with the investigation.