Police say all but 1 passenger off threatened NH bus; last aboard being questioned

Police: 1 bus passenger being questioned in NH

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — All passengers but one on a Greyhound bus involved in a bomb scare were safely removed Thursday, with the one remaining person staying aboard and being questioned, police said.

Police say someone aboard the bus carrying 17 passengers 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 of minutes each — and carried no purses or bags. Most held their hands aloft as they passed officers with their weapons drawn.

The passengers were screened individually when they got off the bus — much like an airport security check — and were to be taken to the Portsmouth police station. None appeared to be injured as they left the bus.

The state police explosives disposal unit and the FBI were on the scene, and restrictions were put on air travel in the area, which kept television helicopters from flying overhead at closer than 3,000 feet.

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

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.