The incident raises questions about airport security as authorities investigate how the teen breached safety protocols.
**Passenger Heroes Thwart Armed Threat on Melbourne Flight**
**Passenger Heroes Thwart Armed Threat on Melbourne Flight**
A 17-year-old armed with a shotgun is subdued by courageous passengers aboard a Jetstar plane.
The 17-year-old suspect, armed with a shotgun and ammunition, was overpowered by heroic passengers and crew members aboard a Jetstar flight shortly before takeoff from Avalon Airport in Melbourne. The dramatic episode unfolded on Thursday afternoon, as the plane was preparing to carry 160 passengers to Sydney.
According to Victoria Police, the teenager managed to access the airport tarmac by breaching a security fence, subsequently boarding the aircraft via the front steps. As he entered, alarmed passengers quickly recognized the weapon he was carrying, prompting immediate action.
Footage from the scene captured the tense moment when three passengers and crew members wrestled the suspect to the ground by the front door of the plane. One of the passengers, Barry Clark, recounted how he helped disarm the teen, stating he simply acted instinctively to get the shotgun out of the way. Footage also showed a pilot kicking the gun away to ensure it was no longer a danger.
No injuries were reported during the incident, which evoked concern and confusion among the passengers. “How is this possible?” was heard from those present, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Superintendent Michael Reid of Victoria Police commended the bravery of passengers who acted swiftly to neutralize the threat while confirming that the suspect was arrested and would face multiple charges in youth court.
Authorities had to call in a bomb specialist to examine a nearby car and two bags linked to the suspect, underlining the serious nature of the breach. While the police have engaged with counterterrorism authorities, the motive behind the teenager's actions remains unclear.
Following the incident, Avalon Airport, which exclusively serves Jetstar flights, reopened its facilities and is cooperating closely with ongoing investigations. Jetstar expressed gratitude towards those on board who helped manage the situation, acknowledging the distress it caused the passengers.
According to Victoria Police, the teenager managed to access the airport tarmac by breaching a security fence, subsequently boarding the aircraft via the front steps. As he entered, alarmed passengers quickly recognized the weapon he was carrying, prompting immediate action.
Footage from the scene captured the tense moment when three passengers and crew members wrestled the suspect to the ground by the front door of the plane. One of the passengers, Barry Clark, recounted how he helped disarm the teen, stating he simply acted instinctively to get the shotgun out of the way. Footage also showed a pilot kicking the gun away to ensure it was no longer a danger.
No injuries were reported during the incident, which evoked concern and confusion among the passengers. “How is this possible?” was heard from those present, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Superintendent Michael Reid of Victoria Police commended the bravery of passengers who acted swiftly to neutralize the threat while confirming that the suspect was arrested and would face multiple charges in youth court.
Authorities had to call in a bomb specialist to examine a nearby car and two bags linked to the suspect, underlining the serious nature of the breach. While the police have engaged with counterterrorism authorities, the motive behind the teenager's actions remains unclear.
Following the incident, Avalon Airport, which exclusively serves Jetstar flights, reopened its facilities and is cooperating closely with ongoing investigations. Jetstar expressed gratitude towards those on board who helped manage the situation, acknowledging the distress it caused the passengers.
