Passenger Forces Open Emergency Exit Door on Plane at Melbourne Airport
Man Walks Out onto Wing, Slides Down Engine, and is Detained by Ground Crew
Travellers at Melbourne Airport were shocked when a passenger onboard a stationary airplane forced open an emergency exit door and walked out onto the plane’s wing on Thursday morning.
The man, who has not been named publicly, opened the exit door without authorization while Jetstar Flight JQ507 was parked at a terminal gate. The flight arrived in Melbourne from Sydney at around 10 a.m. local time, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
Officials said the man opened a right-side exit door on the plane, triggering a release of the airplane’s evacuation slide. Rather than using the slide, the man stepped onto the Airbus A320’s wing and slid down the engine to stand on the tarmac.
He was quickly met with ground crew staff members and was detained before police arrived. Australian Federal Police said the man was arrested for aggressive behaviour and breaching aircraft safety protocols. Charges are likely to be laid at a later date.
Passenger Accounts
Audrey Varghese, a passenger onboard Flight JQ507, told ABC some passengers screamed when the exit door was opened. She said she and other travellers were “quite terrified” by the incident.
Varghese said after the plane was done taxiing, the passenger “charged” toward the emergency exit row, then “pushed past some people” and “ripped off the emergency exit door.”
After the man exited the plane, Varghese said the flight crew calmed the remaining travellers and ensured no one was injured.
Additional Details
Another passenger onboard Flight JQ507 said the man’s rowdy behaviour began even before he opened the plane’s exit door. A traveller identified only as Madison told Australia’s Nine News television the man was seen vaping throughout the flight, which is not permitted. He also unsuccessfully demanded the air crew provide him with alcohol, she claimed.
Video and photos allegedly from the incident have circulated on social media, including footage of the passenger in confrontation with the Melbourne Airport ground crew.
Reactions
Passengers on social media shared their reactions to the incident, with one person tweeting, “What the F? Melbourne airport right now! pic.twitter.com/dmAlkDJqkj”
Another passenger tweeted, “Melbourne airport right now! Good on ye Albo. pic.twitter.com/4RKfvYXqU7”
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Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about airport security and the safety protocols in place to prevent such incidents. The Australian Federal Police have launched an investigation into the matter, and the man is expected to face charges.
FAQs
* What happened?
+ A passenger onboard a stationary airplane at Melbourne Airport forced open an emergency exit door and walked out onto the plane’s wing.
* Why did the passenger do it?
+ The motive behind the passenger’s actions is unclear, but witnesses reported that he was seen vaping throughout the flight and had been demanding alcohol from the air crew.
* What happened after the passenger exited the plane?
+ The passenger was met with ground crew staff members and was detained before police arrived. He was arrested for aggressive behaviour and breaching aircraft safety protocols.
* Are there any charges pending?
+ Yes, the man is expected to face charges at a later date.