NPR

After Bomb Threat, Malaysia Airline Passengers Tackle Man — And Then Sit On Tarmac

When the jet returned to the airport, the suspect was already tied up. Police took him away — but they left the device he had held on the plane, along with the passengers, for 90 minutes.

Passengers are being praised for subduing a man who threatened to blow up their Malaysia Airline jet shortly after takeoff Wednesday in Melbourne, Australia. The plane safely returned to the airport, and by the time police arrived, the man was tied up.

But passengers are also complaining that they were forced to sit on the plane for 90 minutes after landing, along with what what was, for an agonizing stretch of time, suspected to be an explosive. It was later determined to be either a type of speaker or phone charger.

Witnesses say

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min read
Deadline Extended: NPR Student Podcast Challenge entries are now due May 31
Entries for our sixth annual contest for middle and high school students (and our first-ever fourth grade competition) are now due Friday, May 31 at midnight E.T.
NPR2 min read
GameStop Surges After Meme Stock Investor 'Roaring Kitty' Resurfaces Online
Shares in the video game retailer more than doubled at one point after a prominent meme stock investor made his first online posting in about three years.
NPR3 min readAmerican Government
Biden's National Monument Expansion Applauded By Allies, But Big Obstacles Loom
President Biden dramatically expanded two national monuments in California. But there are growing concerns that federal land managers are struggling to manage existing monuments designated since 2016.

Related Books & Audiobooks