An aircraft carrying 184 passengers was placed under security restrictions at King Phalo Airport in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after authorities received a telephone threat alleging that an explosive device was on board.

All passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft, while security personnel remained at the scene to conduct necessary checks following the reported threat.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in a statement reported by SaharaReporters, said the warning came from an unidentified caller who contacted authorities using a private telephone number.

Police subsequently activated an emergency response involving multiple security and safety agencies to assess the situation and establish the credibility of the threat.

The deployed team included bomb disposal officers, K9 explosive detection units, hostage negotiators, disaster management personnel, airport security officials and emergency medical services.

The aircraft remained under security control as investigations continued into the source of the call. Police urged the public to refrain from speculation, adding that further information would be released as it became available.

SAPS did not identify the airline involved or disclose the aircraft’s intended destination.