Bomb aboard plane, police hold three

The police in Accra are holding three passengers aboard a South African Airways plane to help in investigations into what Ghana Civil Aviation Authority officials at the Kotoka International Airport say is a bomb threat aboard an Accra bound South African Airways flight on Monday.

A press statement issued by the authority said at 7.15p.m. on Monday, April 16, South Africa Airways' Manager at KIA received a call from the Accra - bound SA• Flight about a bomb threat on board the aircraft.

According to the report a lady passenger who went into a toilet in the aircraft immediately after three teenage passengers had emerged from the toilet saw an inscription on the mirror to the effect that there was a bomb on seat number 5 Ia.

A report was accordingly made to the Captain, who after due consultation with the security agencies in Johannesburg decided to proceed to Accra.

The Airport Authority at KIA accordingly alerted the emergency units who in turn mobilized to await the arriving flight. Emergency procedures were activated with the objective of securing the aircraft and isolating the three teenagers.

The aircraft touched down at approximately 9.45p.m. and was directed to the isolated parking bay after which the passengers were evacuated.

The plane, scheduled for a return flight, was delayed for about two hours for bomb experts to scan it for any explosives.

Public Affairs Director at the Aviation Authority, Eric Noi told Joy News that the police found none, while the three unnamed youths are said to have pleaded it was only a joke, but officials insist they will not leave anything to chance.