In a shocking incident at Avalon Airport near Melbourne, Australia, a 17-year-old boy managed to board a Jetstar flight to Sydney with a shotgun, sparking a daring intervention by passengers and crew members. The dramatic scene unfolded on Thursday, March 9, as the low-cost airline’s plane prepared to take off with 160 people on board.
According to Michael Reed, the acting assistant commissioner of Victoria Police, the teenager, whose identity has not been disclosed, breached security and entered the airport’s runway before boarding the aircraft via the front stairs. Witnesses claim he was carrying a shotgun and ammunition, sending shockwaves throughout the cabin.
The situation took a dramatic turn when at least three brave passengers decided to confront and subdue the teenager, preventing any potential harm to those on board. Remarkably, no one was injured during the ordeal. A video clip shared by local media outlet 7News shows the suspect being restrained by one of the passengers while ground staff and the pilot carefully remove the shotgun and other equipment from the scene.
The footage also captures the moment when the pilot kicks the shotgun away from the suspect, as a stunned passenger can be heard asking, “How did this happen?” Reed commended the courage and quick thinking of those who intervened, stating that it was too early to determine the suspect’s motivations but praised the passengers’ heroic actions.
One of the passengers who helped apprehend the suspect, Barry Clark, shared his account with ABC Television, revealing that the teenager was wearing a reflective jacket similar to those worn by airport staff and appeared agitated. Clark recounted, “I just managed to get the gun away from him, threw him to the ground, and held him until the police arrived.”
As investigators continue to probe the incident, they have discovered a vehicle and two bags belonging to the suspect near the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the security breach and the suspect’s intentions remain unclear, but authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this alarming incident.
Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that local police contacted counter-terrorism units in response to the incident, highlighting the gravity of the situation. While the motivations behind the teenager’s actions are still unknown, the bravery and swift response of the passengers and crew members have been widely praised, preventing what could have been a catastrophic outcome.