SEOUL: In a terrifying incident, a man has been arrested for opening the emergency door of an Asiana Airlines flight while it was landing at Daegu International Airport in South Korea. All 194 passengers on board the flight survived, but some experienced fainting and breathing problems, requiring medical attention.
The incident occurred on Flight OZ8124, an Airbus A321-200 jet that had departed from Jeju Island. As the plane was landing, the man, believed to be in his 30s, opened the emergency door while the aircraft was still 250 meters above the ground. Startling footage shared on social media shows the door ajar, with strong winds buffeting the rows of seated passengers.
Witnesses stated that flight attendants were unable to prevent the man from opening the door due to the imminent landing. Shockingly, he even attempted to jump out of the plane after opening the door, further endangering himself and others on board.
Passengers described scenes of panic and chaos during the incident. One 44-year-old passenger recounted the distressing experience, saying, “It was chaos with people close to the door appearing to faint one by one and flight attendants calling out for doctors on board through broadcasting. I thought the plane was blowing up.”
Among the passengers were several school-age children who were on their way to a weekend sporting event. The mother of one of the students expressed the children’s fear and trauma, stating, “The children were shaking, crying, and frightened.”
Investigations into Flight Incident
Local authorities promptly arrested the suspect upon landing, and preliminary investigations have revealed no explanation for his actions. It has been established that he was not intoxicated at the time of the incident. Police officials stated that it is challenging to engage in a coherent conversation with the suspect and that they will continue to investigate his motive in order to bring appropriate charges against him.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and passenger safety. Asiana Airlines is cooperating with authorities in their investigation into the breach of protocol. The airline is also providing support and assistance to affected passengers, including those who experienced physical and emotional distress during the ordeal.
