Asiana Airlines: Passenger arrested for opening plane door during South Korea flight
Passenger Arrested for Opening Plane Door During Asiana Airlines Flight in South Korea
A man in his 30s has been taken into custody after he opened the door of an Asiana Airlines flight as it was landing at Daegu International Airport in South Korea. Fortunately, all 194 passengers on board survived the incident, despite the door remaining open during landing.
Reports from local media indicate that some passengers experienced fainting spells and breathing difficulties, requiring medical attention upon arrival. According to the Yonhap news agency, the man explained that he felt suffocated and wanted to disembark quickly.
During police questioning, it was revealed that the individual had been under considerable stress due to losing his job. However, due to his current mental state, investigators were unable to conduct a thorough interrogation.
The incident occurred on Flight OZ8124, an Airbus A321-200 jet, which had departed from Jeju Island. Roughly an hour into the flight, as the aircraft was preparing to land, the male passenger opened the emergency door while the plane was still approximately 250 meters above the ground.
Video footage shared on social media captured the alarming sight of the door ajar, with wind buffeting the rows of seated passengers. Witnesses recounted that the flight attendants were unable to prevent the man from opening the door due to the imminent landing. Furthermore, he even attempted to jump out of the plane after unlocking it.
Passengers on board described the panic that ensued, with individuals near the door appearing to faint one after another. Flight attendants urgently requested assistance from any doctors on board through the aircraft’s public address system. One 44-year-old passenger recounted thinking that the plane was about to explode and feared for their life.
Among the passengers were several school-age children who were traveling to a weekend sporting event. The mother of one of the students expressed the children’s distress, stating that they were shaking, crying, and frightened.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, while the focus remains on the well-being of the affected passengers and the safe continuation of their journeys.
