NH bus bomb scare a misunderstanding

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (FOX25/MyFoxBoston.com) - A person close to the investigation says the passenger on a Greyhound bus at the center of a daylong bomb scare in Portsmouth, N.H., was a foreign national who was too scared to get off the bus.

The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he as not authorized to speak publicly, said the bomb scare was sparked by another passenger who thought she overheard the non-English speaking rider mention a bomb and called 911.

The person said the passenger is unlikely to face criminal charges. No explosives were found.

U.S. Attorney John Kacavas confirmed the passenger was from Africa.

The 911 call Thursday morning prompted authorities to evacuate buildings and streets and surround the Maine-to-New York bus. The other 16 passengers and the driver got off safely.