Seoul, May 26: In a shocking incident, a passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight opened an emergency exit as the plane was preparing to land, resulting in strong winds ripping through the cabin. The incident took place on a domestic flight of an Airbus A321-200, carrying nearly 200 passengers, as it approached Daegu International Airport in South Korea.
According to the carrier, when the aircraft was about 200 meters above the ground, a passenger sitting near the emergency exit manually opened the door by touching the lever. The sudden opening of the exit caused breathing difficulties for some passengers, leading to several individuals being hospitalized after the plane safely landed. Fortunately, there were no major injuries or significant damage reported.
Yonhap News Agency of South Korea reported that nine people were hospitalized following the incident. Asiana Airlines confirmed that the passenger responsible for opening the door has been taken into custody by the police for questioning, in an attempt to determine the motive behind their actions.
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Video footage captured during the incident shows the forceful winds entering the cabin through the open door, causing fabric seat-backs to flutter and passengers’ hair to whip wildly. Some passengers can be heard shouting in surprise as the unexpected event unfolds.
Additional footage shared on social media reveals passengers in the emergency exit row struggling against the strong winds while trying to protect themselves and turn away from the open door.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of interfering with emergency exits during a flight and the need for passengers to adhere to safety protocols. Opening emergency exits without valid reasons can compromise the safety of all passengers on board and disrupt the orderly functioning of the aircraft.
As investigations continue into this alarming incident, authorities will work to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers while emphasizing the importance of following aviation rules and regulations.
