Plane Evacuated at Fargo, N.D., Airport after Passengers Overhear Mention of Bomb

A Northwest Airlink commuter plane was evacuated before takeoff Monday morning after two passengers claimed to have overheard someone mention a bomb while talking on a cell phone, police said.

Sgt. Steve Lynk said the plane's crew was alerted and passengers were told to leave the plane around 5:30 a.m. local time.

The plane was at Hector International Airport ready to leave for Minneapolis-St. Paul with 57 passengers. As they were waiting to board, two passengers overheard another passenger talking on a cell phone, making a reference to "bombs away" and the flight.

"They overheard the man say that into the phone," Lynk said.

Passengers were taken to a secure area where they were questioned. Police Sgt. Kevin Volrath said no one was arrested and authorities found nothing suspicious.

Passengers were allowed to reboard and the plane took off after a 4 1/2-hour delay.

The plane is operated by Mesaba Airlines for Northwest Airlines' commuter service.