BBC
Daegu, 27 May 2023 (GNP): According to an Asiana Airlines spokesperson, a male passenger seated next to the emergency exit removed a cover and pulled a lever, causing a mid-flight door opening.
At the moment of incident, the aircraft was approximately 200 meters (656 ft.) above the ground. The flight accommodated a total of 200 individuals, with 194 passengers on board.
He was later arrested by South Korean police.
Among the passengers were 48 elementary and middle school athletes who were traveling to take part in a national sports competition.
At around 12:40 PM (0340 GMT), the Airbus A321-200 aircraft, which had taken off from Jeju Island, safely landed in Daegu.
Fortunately, no individual was forcefully expelled or experienced a fall from the aircraft.
Moreover, there were no significant injuries resulting from the incident.
However, the incident resulted in nine teenage passengers experiencing breathing issues and subsequently being sent to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments when the door was opened, with passengers near the exit feeling dizzy.
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A video captured by a passenger showcased the open door and howling wind, as the plane approached the landing.
A passenger opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea, forcing the crew to land while it was still open.
Air blew through the cabin of the Asiana Airlines jet, slightly injuring 12 people. pic.twitter.com/Nl8HqXeiLb
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 26, 2023
An anonymous 44-year-old passenger stated: “I thought the plane was going to explode … It looked like passengers next to the open door were fainting.”
Detention and investigation
According to the South Korean transport ministry, the responsible person has been detained.
A probe into any infractions of the aviation safety laws is now being conducted.
Authorities are also checking to see if Asiana Airlines followed emergency escape procedures.
The officials also suggested that opening the emergency exit near the ground is feasible as the pressures inside and outside the cabin are comparable.
Opening a plane door mid-flight is typically deemed impossible, and occurrences of such incidents are exceptionally uncommon.
