A flight from Orlando, Florida bound for Providence, Rhode Island was forced to make an emergency landing Tuesday night after passengers reported a man saying “bomb.”
Breeze Airways Flight 717 was diverted to Jacksonville, Florida just 45 minutes after takeoff when the couple allegedly used the word “bomb” in an argument, passenger Rachel Corrigan told WJXT 4. After people surrounding the couple heard the remarks, the passengers alarmed.
“The dad and his daughter got up and went back and said, ‘We asked to be moved because someone was talking about a bomb they have,'” passenger Tanya Mcginnn also told the local outlet.
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Cops on the plane.
TJ Monjay
After landing, the pilot spoke to the passengers to explain what had happened. According to a video obtained by PEOPLE, he said that after consulting with five other officials, they decided that a potential threat was present on the plane and the protocol was to bring it down to the ground.
“Words that should not be spoken have been spoken more than once,” he said over the intercom. “So we have extensive procedures that we have to follow in our manuals, in our dispatch, in what we call our operational control center.”
He later added, “Right now, because of the terminology that was used, the FBI is also involved in this.”
Stunned passengers had to stay on the plane while police arrested the man.
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As he was being handcuffed, the man who allegedly said “bomb” apologized.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for ruining your travel plans,” he said.
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Police with a dog on the plane.
TJ Monjay
Later, police dogs and investigators arrived on board to get more details on the situation, according to the pilot.
“Even if the plane is safe, they won’t let us fly,” the pilot revealed when passengers learned the plane would not arrive in Providence that night.
“I understand this is not ideal,” he added. “Unfortunately, some people decided to misbehave and really spoil the evening for us all.”
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According to an email sent by Breeze Airways obtained by PEOPLE, passengers were offered $150 for food, hotel, transportation and other inconveniences.
The passenger told PEOPLE the amount “is a little low, but it’s not really theirs [the airline’s] mistake”, that’s how they understood.
The flight, which was scheduled to arrive in Providence at 8:00 PM EST, was rescheduled to depart Jacksonville International Airport at 11:30 AM on Wednesday.
“Breeze Flight #717 from Orlando, FL to Providence, RI was diverted to Jacksonville, FL last night after an argument escalated between two guests on board resulting in a perceived security threat. Local law enforcement met the aircraft and safely disembarked all guests and the Breeze team Members,” Breeze Airways said in a statement to PEOPLE.
“Security is our top priority and we take threats of any kind very seriously. We are committed to helping the police investigate this incident,” the statement continued. “Breeze has provided overnight accommodation for all affected guests before resuming their flight today. They arrived at their destination in Providence this afternoon.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education