A 17-year-old who was carrying a firearm and tools on a Jetstar journey at Avalon Airport in Melbourne, Australia, was overpowered by passengers in a serious confrontation.
The girl reportedly attempted to board the plane with about 160 customers while wearing a high-vis coat and application belt at 2.20 am on Thursday.
According to 7NEWS, panic broke out after a rider put the youth in a head-lock and detained him with the help of two different brochures. At 2.50 am, Victoria officers arrived at the scene and took the girl into custody after receiving the information.
No doubt, this would have been a very dreadful tragedy for the people of that plane, said Victoria Police director Michael Reid, who spoke to 7NEWS.
The courage of those passengers, who were able to subdue that man, is absolutely commendable, said Reid.
Police are looking into the possibility that the girl might have gotten onto the runway through a hole discovered in the airport’s fence, according to an investigation that has already been launched.
” Whether he broke that himself, by cutting it, or whether it’s previously happened,” Reid said.
The official claims that the event is no currently being treated as a terrorist act because “it’s too early to build that.” Reid also expressed concern for safety.
Reid said,” I didn’t speak more plainly how concerning that is.” ” It would have been a really scary experience for those passengers involved, but I do really praise the courage of those human passengers who helped overshadow him,” he said once more.
The chaotic times inside the aircraft are captured in video that 7NEWS obtained. While helping to disarm the girl, the captain can be heard telling passengers to leave through the back of the plane. One picture shows the suspect being restrained in a chokehold by a witness who assures him,” I’m no strangling you, mate, but you’re no f****** moving, great”?
The captain is seen kicking the gun’s stock away to prevent further danger, while he appears to be holding what appears to be a shotgun’s chamber.
A Jetstar director also confirmed that the aircraft was working with emergency services. The statement read,” We you ensure there are no reported injury, and the health of our passengers and crew is our number one priority.”
Following the incident, Avalon Airport activities were temporarily suspended for the rest of the day as a precaution. Investigations are ongoing to find out the child’s complete identity and the circumstances surrounding the safety breach.
