Zimbabwe Officials Misinform Mass Media about Accident with Boeing 767

Zimbabwean aviation officials misinformed news organizations Thursday that a Boeing 767 arriving from London was involved in an accident at Harare's airport, then told journalists rushing to the scene it was only a drill. David Chawota, head of the Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority, said the information was given out to make the drill realistic.

Photo: Zimbabwe Officials Misinform Mass Media about Accident with Boeing 767

"Telling the media was part of the exercise. We wanted to see how the media would react," he told a news conference at the main Harare International airport, The Associated Press informs.

Officials in Zimbabwe originally said the incident involved a Boeing 767 out of London.

"This was a usual drill for the period. We do this once every three years. This was for the benefit of our police personnel, security, aviation, medics, hospital -- everyone was involved," said David Chawata, chief executive of the Zimbabwe Aviation Authority. "This exercise helps the general preparedness of our facilities here.", CNN International reports.