Passenger opens plane door mid-air, several hospitalised | Watch video
1 min read 26 May 2023, 04:24 PM ISTThe plane was carrying nearly 200 passengers as it approached the runway at Daegu International Airport in South Korea, about 240 kilometres (149 miles) southeast of Seoul
PremiumA passenger onboard an Asiana Airlines flight opened an emergency exit as the flight was about to land on the runway in South Korea. While no major injuries were reported in the incident, several people complained of breathlessness. The plane landed safely at the Saegu International Airport, some people were hospitalised later. The plane was carrying 200 passengers when one of them opened the emergency exit while it was still in the air at 650 feet.
When the plane was around 200 meters (650 feet) above the ground, a passenger sitting near the emergency exit "opened the door manually by touching the lever", the carrier's representative said.
A video of the incident has been shared on the social media. The video shows wind ripping through the open door in mid-air, with fabric on the back of the seats and passengers' hair flapping wildly as some people shouted in surprise.
The incident caused some passengers to have breathing difficulties, and several people were taken to a hospital after the landing, Asiana Airlines said, adding that there were no major injuries or damage.
A man, appearing to be in his 30s, has been held for questioning for opening the flight emergency exit mid-air.
As many as 12 people have been hospitalised after they experienced breathlessness. The ministry confirmed that the plane door had been deliberately opened by a passenger while the plane was still in flight.
"Police are questioning him jointly with the land and transport ministry over aviation safety laws violations," they said in a statement, adding, “Under these laws, a person who opens a plane door without authorisation is subject to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison."
