A dramatic incident unfolded at an Australian airport when a 17-year-old boy managed to board a plane armed with a loaded shotgun before being subdued by a courageous pilot and two passengers, according to police reports on Friday. The situation was quickly brought under control at Avalon Airport in Victoria state after the boy was disarmed and detained prior to the arrival of law enforcement on Thursday.
Barry Clark, a passenger who played a crucial role in resolving the situation, described how the teenager had masqueraded as a maintenance worker. Tensions escalated when a flight attendant questioned the boy at the aircraft’s entrance. Clark recounted the shocking moment when he realized the severity of what he was witnessing.
“I glanced up and within seconds saw a shotgun’s barrel, immediately realizing it shouldn’t be on a plane,” Clark explained in a conversation with Network 10 television. “Seeing the entire gun, I knew we were in trouble.” He added, “When I saw it aimed towards her chest, I knew I had to act, all in a matter of seconds.”
Recalling his brave intervention, Clark, who has a background as a professional boxer and sheep shearer, described sneaking up behind the boy and strategically diverting the gun and flight attendant in opposite directions to minimize harm. “I then had to act, putting him in a hold, twisting his hand behind him, throwing him to the ground, and pinning him with my knee,” he recounted.
Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid highlighted that the boy hailed from Ballarat in regional Victoria and had breached security by climbing through a fence to access the plane. Reid praised the swift actions of Clark, the pilot, and another passenger for restraining the young male. “This was undoubtedly terrifying for all passengers, and we commend those brave individuals who acted to overpower the assailant,” Reid stated.
The ordeal unfolded on Jetstar Airways Flight 610, bound for Sydney, carrying around 150 passengers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the flight was subsequently canceled. An investigation is underway, led by crime squad detectives, with no involvement from counterterrorism units. The teenager is facing multiple charges, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, orchestrating a bomb hoax, and possessing a firearm. He remains in custody pending a children’s court appearance, which is yet to be scheduled.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed public feelings of concern but reiterated confidence in Australia’s airport security measures. “This incident is understandably unsettling, but I commend the prompt response of police and aviation officials,” Albanese remarked.
Avalon Airport’s chief executive, Ari Suss, assured that the airport was collaborating closely with police to address the emergency. “We’re heightening security measures throughout the airport,” Suss mentioned in a statement. “We’re continually working with authorities to ensure a secure environment for travelers.”
Jetstar, a budget airline under Qantas Airways, confirmed ongoing cooperation with law enforcement and airport officials to fully understand and address the incident.
