Passengers getting off bus involved in bomb scare in Portsmouth, NH, with hands in the air

Passengers leave threatened NH bus, hands in air

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Passengers on a Greyhound bus involved in a bomb scare slowly began getting off the vehicle in downtown Portsmouth, N.H., on Thursday with their hands in the air as a bomb squad and police sharpshooter kept watch.

Police say someone aboard the bus, carrying nearly 20 people, called 911 and reported an explosive device on board, leading police to surround the vehicle and evacuate nearby buildings and streets.

The 911 call came after the bus’ arrival in Portsmouth around 11:30 a.m. and was “based on someone’s observations,” Police Capt. Mike Schwartz said. He had not heard of any threat being made.

Police were in contact with people on the bus, but it was unclear why they remained on board for more than two hours before they started to leave. They left the bus one by one — separated by a couple minutes each — and carried no purses or bags. Most held their hands aloft as they passed officers with their weapons drawn.

The state police explosives disposal unit and the FBI were on scene, and restrictions were put on air travel in the area, which kept television helicopters from flying overhead.

The driver, who police say got off the bus after he parked it on the side of the road, was being questioned.

The bus was parked with its flashers on, between a municipal parking garage and the Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel, garage and other area businesses had been evacuated, and streets have been closed.

The bus originated in Bangor, Maine, and made a stop in Portland before reaching Portsmouth, a scheduled stop. The bus was scheduled to continue on to Boston and ultimately New York City.