An alarming security breach at Avalon Airport was quickly contained by vigilant passengers, who overpowered a teenager armed with a shotgun right before the Jetstar flight's takeoff. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Swift Action Prevents Potential Tragedy on Jetstar Flight
Swift Action Prevents Potential Tragedy on Jetstar Flight
Passengers and crew members successfully subdued a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun on a Jetstar flight from Avalon Airport to Sydney.
Authorities in Australia are investigating a terrifying incident involving a 17-year-old boy armed with a shotgun as he attempted to board a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport, situated near Melbourne. The flight, destined for Sydney, had approximately 160 passengers onboard when the unsettling event took place Thursday afternoon.
Witnesses reported that the teenager managed to access the airport tarmac by breaching a security fence and climbed the front steps of the plane, at which point several passengers noticed the firearm he was carrying. Footage captured by local media outlet 7News revealed the tense moment when the youth was subdued by a group of passengers, supported by crew members who promptly acted to disarm him.
Victoria Police confirmed that the suspect, from the nearby Ballarat region, was restrained by three passengers. Superintendent Michael Reid acknowledged the bravery of those individuals and indicated that local law enforcement was in touch with counterterrorism teams, although they hadn't yet established a motive for the frightening breach.
One passenger, Barry Clark, described the young man as appearing agitated and resembling airport staff due to his fluorescent jacket. Clark recounted the actions taken to neutralize the threat, stating, "All I could do was get the gun out of the way... and then put him in a hold and throw him to the ground until the police came."
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, and police later located the suspect's car and two bags left in the vicinity. Jetstar Airlines has expressed gratitude to the passengers who assisted in diffusing the situation and asserted their commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Avalon Airport, exclusively serviced by Jetstar, has since resumed operations, with its CEO, Ari Suss, acknowledging the swift response that prevented a potential tragedy.
