Bomb Scare at Minneapolis–Saint Paul Int'l Airport Causes Evacuation

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

A backpack left at a ticket counter caused a bomb scare at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport Saturday afternoon, resulting in the partial evacuation of Terminal 1, ABC News reported.

Melissa Scovronski, the airport's public affairs and marketing manager, told ABC News the pack was left on a scale close to a United ticket counter. Swabbed by Transportation Security Administration officials, the backpack tested positive for an explosive material.

Terminal 1 was partially evacuated in light of the positive test, Scovronski said to ABC News, adding that numerous airlines were affected, including American, US Airways, Spirit, Frontier and United.

After the evacuation, Scovronski said the Bloomington Police bomb squad examined the backpack and did not find any explosives.

The airport stated that all areas were reopened and normal operations resumed about 90 minutes later.

Airport police are now in possession of the backpack and will investigate further, Scovronski said to ABC News. The owner of the backpack has not been found.

Those traveling to and from this airport using the aforementioned airlines, heed the heads-up of the latest airport tweet: “There are long lines at ticketing counters, be prepared for delays. Check with your airline before heading to the airport.”

An unattended bag tested positive for explosives near the United ticket counter. Airport Police investigating with Bloomington Bomb Squad.

— MSP Airport (@mspairport) August 1, 2015

Scene has been cleared and all areas reopened. Airport back to normal operations.

— MSP Airport (@mspairport) August 1, 2015

There are long lines at ticketing counters, be prepared for delays. Check with your airline before heading to the airport.

— MSP Airport (@mspairport) August 1, 2015

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