Ruptured, smoking bag removed from international flight in Houston; officials say no threat

Smoking bag found on international flight in Texas

HOUSTON — A baggage handler in Houston discovered a ruptured, smoking suitcase while unloading luggage from an international flight Tuesday, drawing fire crews and bomb specialists to examine the bag. Officials later said it posed no threat.

The baggage handler reported hearing a “pop” and seeing vapor coming from inside the bag as luggage was taken off KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Flight 661, which had arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport from Amsterdam on Tuesday afternoon, airport spokeswoman Marlene McClinton said. The Boeing 747-400 was set to make a return trip later in the day.

The handler carried the bag away from the plane and terminal and called authorities.

Bomb crews hit the suitcase with a water gun and examined it Tuesday afternoon, Assistant Fire Chief Jack Williams said. He said there was no explosion and no injuries.

McClinton said authorities determined the bag posed no threat and airport operations weren’t affected. She said Houston police had matched the bag to a passenger, but did not know whether the passenger was detained.

KLM is cooperating with the investigation, said Anthony Black, a spokesman for KLM partner Delta Air Lines.