Two men detained after possible bombs were reported in flight to Houston, officials say

HOUSTON – A United flight to Houston was diverted to Alexandria International Airport after reports of a possible explosive device on board, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

At 12:24 p.m., the sheriff’s office received an emergency call from the reported incoming aircraft, officials said.

The flight was en route from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston, before being diverted to Louisiana, according to deputies. The aircraft landed safely and the passengers were taken off, deputies said.

According to The Associated Press, a passenger, Megann Cox, told KALB-TV that she was in the air when the flight crew announced that she would make an unexpected stop in Alexandria. She said the plane was sitting on the asphalt with the electricity off, including air circulation.

“They didn’t give us any explanation until about 30 minutes later, that there was a customer service issue and they had to fix it,” she said.

The England Fire Department, Rapides Parish Sherriff Park, TSA, Acadian Ambulance and the FBI responded on the spot. The RPSO Bomb Squad, along with local agents with the FBI, also responded on the spot to assist in the investigation.

MEPs said two people had been detained.

United Airlines said it would book passengers as soon as possible.

The FBI New Orleans released the following statement:

“The FBI New Orleans is aware of the incident that took place today at the airport in Alexandria, LA. Through a coordinated effort involving our law enforcement partners, in particular the Louisiana State Police, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office for Western Louisiana, the Rapides Parish Homeland Security, the Attorney General Rapides Parish District and the England Airpark Authority are grateful that we reported that there were no threats to public safety and that all diverted airline passengers headed to their destinations. “

United Airlines issued the following written statement:

“CommutAir 4344, which operates as United Express from Jackson, Mississippi to Houston, was diverted to Alexandria, Louisiana due to a customer security issue. The flight landed safely and was greeted by local authorities who are still investigating the matter. “

This is a developing story.