**The quick actions of passengers and crew members prevented a potential tragedy on a Jetstar flight, demonstrating courage in the face of danger.**
**Passengers Heroically Disarm Armed Teen on Flight from Melbourne to Sydney**
**Passengers Heroically Disarm Armed Teen on Flight from Melbourne to Sydney**
**A 17-year-old brandishing a shotgun was overpowered by heroic passengers and crew just before takeoff.**
A frightening incident unfolded on a Jetstar flight from Avalon Airport near Melbourne to Sydney when a 17-year-old managed to board the plane armed with a shotgun. The aircraft was preparing for takeoff when the teenager, believed to have breached security by climbing a fence, ascended the front steps to the aircraft where approximately 160 people were waiting.
Footage from the scene, shared by 7News, captures the dramatic moment when several passengers banded together to restrain the suspect. A crew member and the pilot assisted by removing tools from a utility belt the teen was carrying, while the pilot kicked the shotgun away from him. Disturbingly, a passenger can be heard questioning how such a breach could occur.
Victoria Police confirmed that the 17-year-old, from Ballarat, is now in custody. Superintendent Michael Reid reported that several passengers quickly noticed the weapon and acted swiftly to subdue the teen. "The male was overpowered by three of the passengers, at least," he stated. While contacting counterterrorism police, Reid acknowledged that it was too early to discern a motive behind the incident. He commended the bravery exhibited by those who intervened, noting the potential chaos that could have ensued.
Barry Clark, one of the passengers who helped spring into action, recounted how he tackled the armed teen. "All I could do was get the gun out of the way... and then put him in a hold and throw him to the ground until the police came," Clark shared with an Australian news outlet.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the ordeal. Investigators later discovered a vehicle and two bags belonging to the suspect in the vicinity of the airport. Following the incident, Avalon Airport resumed normal operations, primarily serving Jetstar, a budget carrier under Qantas Airlines. In a statement to CBS News, Jetstar expressed gratitude for the bravery of the passengers, acknowledging the distressing nature of the situation and affirming their commitment to cooperating with a thorough investigation.
Avalon Airport's CEO, Ari Suss, announced that the airport has reopened and emphasized the importance of maintaining safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
