It was a day of panic and disruption across India as bomb hoaxes hit three flights and a Howrah-bound train, causing chaos and alarm among passengers on Monday. While the threats turned out to be false, the incidents led to delayed journeys and heavy security checks, leaving travelers on edge.
Mid-Air Scare on Air India Flight AI-119 βοΈ
The most dramatic incident occurred aboard Air Indiaβs Flight AI-119 from Mumbai to New York, which was mid-air when the bomb threat came through. The flight, carrying 239 passengers and a 19-member crew, was immediately diverted to Delhi. Passengers were deplaned for security checks around 4:10 AM while the plane underwent a detailed inspection.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed, βFlight AI-119 received a specific security alert and was diverted to Delhi based on instructions from the governmentβs security regulatory committee. All passengers and crew have disembarked and are undergoing security procedures.β
Thankfully, the threat was a hoax, but the delay means the flight to New York will now resume on Tuesday morning. Passengers have been provided with refreshments and will be moved to hotels while the final checks are completed. π¨π΄
IndiGo Flights Receive Threats Before Take-Off π«
Two IndiGo flightsβ6E-56 (Mumbai to Jeddah) and 6E-1275 (Mumbai to Muscat)βfaced bomb threats before take-off at Mumbai airport. Following protocol, both planes were moved to isolated bays for mandatory security checks.
IndiGoβs statement reassured passengers, saying: βBoth flights received a bomb threat and were moved to isolated bays as per protocol. All passengers were given assistance and refreshments while mandatory checks were completed.β After thorough inspections, no bomb was found, and passengers were safe to continue their journeys.
Mumbai-Howrah Mail Halted π
Not just flights, but even the Mumbai-Howrah Mail (Train 12809) was hit by a hoax early on Monday. The train was stopped at Jalgaon station around 4 AM following a threat of a time bomb on board. A detailed inspection was carried out, but no suspicious objects were found, allowing the train to resume its journey after some delay.
Passengers on Edge π
These hoaxes created panic and chaos across the country, leading to major travel disruptions. While itβs a relief that the threats turned out to be false, the incidents left many passengers anxious and stressed. Travel safety protocols were followed to the letter, ensuring that everyone remained safe throughout the process, but itβs a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public transportation in todayβs world.
Stay alert, and stay safe, folks. πΌβοΈ
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