A man who witnessed the shooting at a Florida airport narrowly escaped death when his laptop stopped a bullet from hitting his body.

Steve Frappier was among the travellers inside Terminal 2 of the Fort Lauderdale International Airport when a gunman began shooting people at random when he heard popping, like firecrackers.

At least five people were killed in the rampage, and six others were wounded, according to a count from federal authorities. More than 40 others were injured in the panic that ensued as shots rang out.

Frappier recalled the harrowing moments in the baggage claim area where the scene unfolded.

It was completely silent and all we could hear was just the popping of the guns, he told CNN. He took cover on the ground while wearing his backpack. Then he said he felt a something strike him in the back.

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Pic: The laptop which saved Frappier