An attempted terrorist attack aboard an Airbus A330-300 with Delta Air Lines livery failed and the aircraft made a safe landing as scheduled at Detroit Metro Wayne County airport.

According to US media reports, White House officials have confirmed a Nigerian passenger aboard Northwest Flight 253 tried to blow up the aircraft.

Rep Peter King, the ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, told media outlets the passenger used a “somewhat sophisticated” explosive device.

Flight 253 landed in Detroit about one hour later than scheduled at 11:42am EST, according to the Flight Aware airline tracking web site. The flight also departed Amsterdam Schiphol airport slightly more than an hour late at 10:02am CET, the site says.

Eyewitnesses interviewed by national media described hearing a firework-like sound, followed quickly by smoke and flames.

Another passenger, Syed Jafry, told Fox News TV channel that the explosion occurred as the A330 began its descent to the Detroit airport.

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