Threat Delays Miami Bound United Air Flight
MIAMI (CBS4) – A Miami bound United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey was delayed for several hours after a threat was reportedly made.
United Airlines said Flight 1294, with 167 passengers and six crew members on board, returned to the gate shortly after departure because a security concern was reported to the crew.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey told CBS4 a man missed the connecting flight on the United plane but his luggage was already on board. He reportedly told airline officials he didn't care because there was a bomb in his luggage. The man was later identified as 44-year Eran Hess from Tel Aviv.
Port Authority officials said Hess was taken into custody as he tried to book another flight on American Airlines.
The aircraft was taken to a secure area of the airport where passengers were taken off the plane and it was inspected. Passenger Susan Hirschfeld told CBS4 said TSA workers and police with K9s surrounded the plane and checked the luggage compartment.
After the plane was cleared, the passengers were allowed to re-board and the flight departed around noon.
