http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.a...5E1702,00.html
Powder found on flight 'no risk'
26aug04
WHITE powder found in the bathroom of a Virgin Blue plane which sparked a security alert at Sydney Airport tonight is believed to be harmless.
Passengers and crew were evacuated from the flight from Melbourne tonight, and specialist police and fire brigade units were called in to investigate the potentially hazardous powder.
The substance has not yet been identified but authorities are confident it posed no risk to passengers or crew.
NSW Fire Brigades spokesman Superintendent Ian Krimmer said Hazmat crews had tested the substance on board.
"We determined there was no immediate risk in terms of chemical hazards to the public or the environment," he said.
"At this stage the substance is yet to be identified (but) we have ruled out any of the nasties."
Botany Bay police Acting Inspector Paul Beudeker said forensic investigators were working to identify the powder.
"Our forensic services group are currently examining the aircraft to ensure there's nothing further and also the nature of the substance that is on board," Insp Beudeker said.
"At this stage it's still difficult to determine exactly how the substance got there or why it's there."
Passengers were kept on the plane then put into a cordoned off area. None required medical attention.
A spokesman for Airservices Australia said 151 people, including six crew members, were evacuated from the plane, which had flown in from Melbourne around 6.30pm (AEST).