Passengers and crew members onboard a Jetstar flight in Australia quickly acted to subdue a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun, who managed to breach security and board the plane preparing for takeoff from Avalon Airport, near Melbourne. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon, while flight personnel and around 160 passengers braced for departure to Sydney. According to law enforcement, the teenager accessed the airport tarmac by circumventing a security fence before climbing aboard the aircraft.
Footage from the scene revealed the moment when passengers and a pilot restrained the armed suspect, who was found wearing a fluorescent jacket and agitated demeanor. Reports indicate that individuals on board observed the firearm as the teen approached the plane’s entrance. "How is this possible?" someone exclaimed in disbelief upon witnessing the breach.
Victoria Police confirmed the suspect from nearby Ballarat was taken into custody, with Superintendent Michael Reid highlighting the courage displayed by passengers who overpowered the assailant. "No doubt this would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers," he stated, acknowledging the bravery of those who intervened. Another passenger, Barry Clark, described his decisive actions to disarm the teenager, detailing a swift maneuver to restrict him until law enforcement arrived.
Miraculously, none of the passengers sustained injuries during the ordeal. Authorities located a vehicle and two bags linked to the suspect in proximity to the airport. Avalon Airport, which exclusively serves Jetstar, resumed normal operations following the incident. In a statement, Jetstar expressed gratitude to the passengers who assisted the crew, emphasizing the distressing nature of the situation and their commitment to support the ongoing police investigation. Airport CEO Ari Suss reassured the public that measures will continue to ensure security at the facility.
Footage from the scene revealed the moment when passengers and a pilot restrained the armed suspect, who was found wearing a fluorescent jacket and agitated demeanor. Reports indicate that individuals on board observed the firearm as the teen approached the plane’s entrance. "How is this possible?" someone exclaimed in disbelief upon witnessing the breach.
Victoria Police confirmed the suspect from nearby Ballarat was taken into custody, with Superintendent Michael Reid highlighting the courage displayed by passengers who overpowered the assailant. "No doubt this would have been a very terrifying incident for the passengers," he stated, acknowledging the bravery of those who intervened. Another passenger, Barry Clark, described his decisive actions to disarm the teenager, detailing a swift maneuver to restrict him until law enforcement arrived.
Miraculously, none of the passengers sustained injuries during the ordeal. Authorities located a vehicle and two bags linked to the suspect in proximity to the airport. Avalon Airport, which exclusively serves Jetstar, resumed normal operations following the incident. In a statement, Jetstar expressed gratitude to the passengers who assisted the crew, emphasizing the distressing nature of the situation and their commitment to support the ongoing police investigation. Airport CEO Ari Suss reassured the public that measures will continue to ensure security at the facility.
