The capital police reported on Sunday that 8 people suspected of creating a false bomb alarm on board a plane flying from Warsaw to Newark, United States were detained. As a consequence of a false notification, the aircraft had to be returned to Chopin Airport in Warsaw.
Event Details
Procedure of the incident
The event occurred during the LO11 flight of Polish Airlines LOT. The aircraft took off from Warsaw, but after receiving a signal about a possible threat, the captain decided to return to the airport in Warsaw. The LOT Press Office informed the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the captain's decision was in accordance with safety procedures.
Police action
Legionowa Police and the Police Prevention Division (OPP) detained 8 men aged 23 to 60, suspected of triggering a false bomb alarm. The Capital Police reported on platform X that the passengers of the aircraft were safely evacuated, and officers are conducting further operations towards Article 224a of the Criminal Code.
Legal aspects
Criminal Code
In accordance with Article 224a of the Criminal Code: ‘Who, knowing that there is no threat, informs of an event which threatens the lives or wellness of many persons or property in crucial size or creates a situation which gives emergence to the belief that specified a threat exists, which is caused by the operation of a public utility institution or a safety authority, public order or wellness with a view to averting the threat, shall be subject to imprisonment from 6 months to 8 years’. In addition, ‘if the offender referred to in paragraph 1 informs of more than 1 event, he shall be sentenced to imprisonment from 2 to 15 years’.
Reactions and actions
Press reactions
Information about the return of the aircraft was first given by RMF FM, indicating the detection of dangerous items on board as the reason for the return. The LOT Press Office did not mention straight to these reports, but confirmed that the aircraft had returned to the airport in Warsaw due to a signal of possible threat.
Activities of airport services
A spokesperson for Chopin Airport in Warsaw, Anna Dermont, informed TVN24 that the airport services had received information about a possible dangerous cargo on board an aircraft to Newark. "Suitable procedures have been launched in specified a situation, state services are under way," added Dermont.
LOT PLL Actions
The Polish LOT Airlines reported the cancellation of the cruise and the change of passenger booking to another flights.
Summary
An incidental with a false bomb alert on board a plane flying from Warsaw to Newark has caused serious consequences, including the return of the aircraft to Chopin Airport and the detention of 8 suspects by police. The activities of the safety services and the responses of the institutions related to the incidental were in accordance with the procedures in force. The perpetrators of specified acts must face the severe legal consequences provided for in the Criminal Code.
Daniel Głogowski
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False bomb alarm on the plane from Warsaw to Newark: Police stopped 8 people
