WASHINGTON - A passenger aboard a jet airliner on its way from Amsterdam to the US city of Detroit was subdued after igniting what appeared to be fireworks, an airline spokeswoman told Agence France-Presse.

The incident occurred as Northwest Airlines Flight 253, an Airbus 330 carrying 278 passengers, was making its final descent to Detroit.

"A passenger caused a disturbance on board by igniting some firecrackers," said Susan Elliott, a spokeswoman for Delta, Northwest's parent company.

"The passenger was immediately subdued and Delta is cooperating with authorities in the investigation," she added.

Elliott said that some passengers received minor injuries, including the person who sparked the incident.

She said the description of the item the passenger had tried to ignite came from other passengers, and was unable to comment on a report from ABC News that the item was a "powdery substance" rather than a firework.

The flight landed safely at Detroit Metropolitan Airport at noon local time (1700 GMT) and authorities were investigating.

"The passengers are being questioned as part of the investigation and the plane is being searched for similar reasons," Elliott said.

CNN reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was conducting an inquiry, but the agency did not immediately return call from AFP.