It isn’t uncommon to once in a while hear incidents about unruly passengers creating chaos mid-air on a flight by picking fights with fellow passengers or by misbehaving with the cabin crew. But this time, an unusual incident of a passenger opening the emergency door of a Southwest Airlines aircraft and climbing on the wing has gained media attention. Here’s what happened.
Man On Southwest Airlines Aircraft Opens Emergency Door & Jumps Off Plane Parked On Tarmac
WATCH: Passengers panic after man abandons Southwest Airlines flight through emergency exit, throws object onboard, and attempts to hijack airport vehicle at New Orleans International Airport. (Intel Point Alert.) pic.twitter.com/0uUMB4QH9r
— Forever Trumper (@FanaTeresafana) November 28, 2023
A report by CNN states that a 38-year-old man on a Southwest Airlines flight suddenly opened the emergency exit door and climbed atop the plane’s wing. The aircraft was parked at a gate at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport. A TikTok video by a passenger briefly shows the chaos that ensued on the flight.
Zed Webster, a passenger revealed to CNN that he heard some commotion on the flight. To him, it sounded like two passengers were engaged in a brawl. So, he took out his phone and recorded the incident. The minute he clicked on the record button, Zed Webster said the 38-year-old passenger unlatched the lock to the emergency exit door. Before anyone could make sense of what was going on, he jumped out of the window.
The TikToker said he was terrified. The video further shows many passengers disembarking the plane and rushing along the cabin. Later, the TikTok video showed an airline employee jumping onto the tarmac to help his colleagues in restraining the passenger. According to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office it respoded to the disturbance caused by a 38-year-old man jumping on the tarmac by opening the emergency door of the Southwest Airlines aircraft.
Also Read: Watch: American Airlines Staff Mishandles A Wheelchair While Offloading It. Netizens React!
Ground Crew Restrained Man Who Seemed To Be Suffering From Mental Health Issues
The plane was stationary and had not yet departed the gate at the time of the incident. The on-ground personnel restrained the passenger until deputies arrived at the scene. Apparently, when deputies confronted the passenger for his unruly behaviour, he seemed “incoherent and not fully aware of his surroundings”. The CNN report further states that the man was sent to a local hospital for evaluation as authorities believed he suffered from mental health emergencies.
Also, the sherrif’s office stated to CNN that the man didn’t leave anything on the plane. He wasn’t found to be in possession of weapons. While he may not face any criminal charges, the investigation will continue. The sheriff’s office further reassured people that no one was harmed following this unusual chaotic incident on the Southwest Airlines aircraft.
Also Read: Soon, Flyers At Bangalore Airport Need Not Put Electronic Devices On Trays For Security Check
After a delay of two hours following the incident, the flight departed on a different aircraft. And reached Atlanta shortly before midnight. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, Chris Perry, stated to CNN that they commend their flight and ground crews for taking swift action against the man. Also, he expressed his sincere apologies to passengers for the inconvenience and delays caused.
Meanwhile, have you ever faced such unusual incidents on your flight?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.