Twelve people were hospitalized after a passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight in South Korea opened the emergency exit door, officials said.
The man, who appeared to be sitting next to or near the hatch, released the hatch lock and opened the hatch while the Airbus was still about 250 meters above the ground during the descent to touchdown.
He was arrested on landing after the plane landed safely, but has so far refused to explain his actions.
One of the 194 passengers on board told South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency: “There was chaos at the time. People near the door seemed to faint one by one. The flight attendant called the doctor on board through the radio.”
‘I thought the plane was going to explode. I thought I was going to die like this’.
Some people fainted during the incident, and video showed strong winds blowing through a gap on the port side of the cabin against passengers in their seats.
Passengers included school children and youth sports teams. Witnesses reported hearing young people screaming and crying.
Among those taken to hospital, injuries included breathing problems and severe ear pain, though all have made a full recovery.
Authorities confirmed the suspect, who was in his 30s, was not intoxicated at the time.
An official said: “It is difficult to have a normal conversation with him. We will investigate the motive of the crime and punish him.”
He is suspected of violating aviation law, which includes improper use of exit doors and other aircraft equipment, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
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