A plane passenger in South Korea is said to have opened the aircraft’s emergency door during flight, violently blasting the interior with air and startling passengers and crew.
Other passengers attempted to stop the suspect but failed to prevent him from partially opening the emergency exit door.
The Asiana Airlines Airbus A321 aircraft was immediately filled with a whirlwind that disoriented passengers, FOX Business reports.
Upon landing, the suspect was arrested by police on charges of violating aviation security laws.
Disturbing video posted on social media showed a gap in the side of the plane and winds smashing into rows of seated passengers.
Fight attendants were unable to stop the man because the plane was about to land, witnesses told the BBC.
The man also reportedly attempted to jump out of the plane after he opened the door.
“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,” a 44-year-old passenger told local news outlet Yonhap.
“I thought the plane was blowing up. I thought I was going to die like this.”
There were school-aged children on board who were travelling to a weekend sporting event.
“The children were shaking, crying, and frightened,” a mother said.
The plane was en route to the Daegu Airport in the southeastern region of the Korean peninsula.
The suspect allegedly pulled open the emergency door while at a 700-feet (213 metres) altitude during the plane’s descent.
Twelve passengers were reportedly so affected by the blasting winds that they were taken to the hospital.
Some of the affected passengers reported breathing issues and ear pain from the rapid decompression of the aeroplane cabin.
The identity of the passenger who opened the emergency door and was arrested is currently unknown.
He has so far not given an explanation for his actions.
“It is difficult to have a normal conversation with him,” an official told the BBC.
“We will investigate the motive of the crime and punish him.”
– with FOX Business