Breaking news coming out of Newark as a United Airlines Boeing 787 was evacuated after a bomb threat. After arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the aircraft was seen surrounded by various buses and emergency equipment while passengers were disembarked using airstairs.
The incident
A Twitter user posted images showing the Boeing 787-10 being evacuated on the ground in Newark while surrounded by numerous emergency vehicles.
@CBSNewYork @ABC7NY @ABC7NYNewsDesk @NewsNewYork @NewJerseyNewser
United 787-10 with police officers, ambulances, and busses all around it after a bomb threat was made (My photos). @ Newark Liberty International Airport pic.twitter.com/kXG1Plv8Qx— Jacob Sharp (@Jacob14Sharp) August 9, 2020
The aircraft operating the flight is N12012. The plane had just come in from Los Angeles (LAX) as United flight 2304. United Airlines offered Simple Flying the following statement on the matter:
“United flight 2304 from Los Angeles to Newark, NJ was met by emergency vehicles due to an onboard medical emergency. During the medical emergency onboard, the passenger made a remark which created a potential security concern. The flight landed safely and the customer was transported to a local hospital”
The threat
Any sort of threat in aviation is taken very seriously. After 9/11, countries around the world strengthened their security precautions. If a passenger makes a threat, crew and safety personnel are trained to minimize any negative impacts.
It is unclear what precisely happened that led to the passenger making the remark. However, no matter whether it was made in jest or as part of a medical incident, the security personnel took the threat seriously and made moves to ensure that passengers and crew are safe. United did not report any injuries resulting from the situation to its customers or crewmembers.
This story is breaking and will be updated.