Tampa-bound flight grounded thanks to an adult diaper mistaken for a bomb
A reported bomb threat that disrupted a flight from Panama to Tampa turned out to be a false alarm after investigators discovered the suspected explosive was nothing more than an adult diaper.
A Copa Airlines flight bound for Tampa returned to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City on Friday after reports of a possible bomb, according to the Associated Press.
The plane landed around 11 a.m. After 144 passengers were evacuated, it was searched by an anti-explosives team.
José Castro, the head of the airport’s security team, told the Associated Press that a suspicious object in one of the plane’s bathrooms was found to be an adult diaper.
“We had it on a secure runway where police special explosives canine units and special forces examined the object, and found it to be an adult diaper, ruling out any risk,” Castro said.
The flight landed in Tampa at 6:54 p.m. on Friday, according to Beau Zimmer, communications manager for Tampa International Airport. He said the same aircraft was used to fly to TPA after diverting.
