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SALT LAKE CITY -- Investigators have completed the search for a bomb on a commuter jet from Montana after someone called in a threat of an explosive on board.
Officials say bomb squads did not find anything when they searched SkyWest flight 4654 at Salt Lake City International Airport Thursday morning.
All of the threats that we receive are very carefully analyzed, but the phrasing and the specifics that were in this call made us respond the way we did.
–Barbara Gann
Delta Airlines issued a statement saying the flight landed just before 8 a.m. at Salt Lake International, and all passengers were safely taken off the aircraft.
The airline says the flight departed at 6:09 a.m. from Helena, Mont.
Airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann says the airport received a threatening call about an explosive incendiary device on the flight. Apparently the threat was specific enough for a full response.
"It was enough of a threat to trigger our bomb-explosive reaction," she said.
Agents with the FBI, TSA and airport police officers responded to the threat. Bomb-sniffing dogs were brought in to help with the search.
Gann says there were 46 passengers and three crew members aboard. Airport customer service rushed the passengers past media, but some said a few words about the experience.
"It's unfortunate and expensive for everybody," said passenger Ann Lauer.
We were very fortunate to be taken care of very well. We were in safe hands at all times.
–Kristi, passenger
"We were very fortunate to be taken care of very well. We were in safe hands at all times," a passenger named Kristi said.
All passengers were questioned and released. Officials say the interviews didn't provide any leads and they still have no idea who made the threat.
"All of the threats that we receive are very carefully analyzed, but the phrasing and the specifics that were in this call made us respond the way we did," said Gann.
After crews searched the plane, all the bags on the aircraft were re-screened for explosive material. Once the bags were cleared, they were loaded up and taken to passengers who were escorted by police into the international terminal to either go home or re-enter the airport to board another plane.
Federal investigators are now trying to trace the call. Airport officials did not release further details about the person who made the call, but say the person will face serious federal charges if found.
Other air traffic is not affected and the plane has been put back into service.
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Story compiled with contributions from Shara Park, Andrew Adams, Randall Jeppesen and The Associated Press.
