Flight Forced to Make Emergency Landing After Threat
A United Airlines passenger flight travelling from Dallas to Chicago was compelled to execute an emergency landing on Sunday morning following an alleged bomb threat, leading to the arrest of a passenger.
The aircraft was diverted to Lambert St. Louis International Airport in Missouri at approximately 8.40am. The decision to land was made after a man reportedly claimed there was an explosive device onboard.
Passenger Allegation and Arrest
According to sources who spoke with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the man who was arrested had said there was a bomb in his wife’s luggage. This alarming statement prompted the immediate emergency response and diversion of the flight.
Upon landing, the scene was secured by specialised bomb and arson teams who were dispatched to the aircraft to conduct a thorough search. An official confirmed that the teams were still meticulously examining the plane more than two hours after it had landed on the tarmac.
Evacuation and Ongoing Investigation
All passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft. Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, the airport's director, stated that the evacuated travellers were asked to wait on the concourse while authorities dealt with the situation.
The incident caused significant disruption, and an investigation is ongoing. The Daily Mail has contacted United Airlines for an official comment regarding the serious security scare.
