SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Twelve people were slightly injured Friday after passengers opened an emergency exit door on a flight in South Korea, blowing air into the plane, officials said. The plane landed safely.
Some people on board the Asiana Airbus A321 tried to stop a person who was able to partially open the door, according to the Ministry of Transport.
The man was detained by the airport police on suspicion of violating the Aviation Security Law, the ministry said in a statement. The person’s identity and motives were not immediately revealed.
The ministry said the law bans passengers from handling exit doors or other on-board equipment and provides for up to 10 years in prison.
The plane carrying 194 people was heading from Jeju Island in the south to Daegu in the southeastern part of the country. The normal flight time is about an hour, and the accident occurred while the plane was arriving at Daegu Airport at an altitude of 700 feet (213 meters).
Videos posted on social media, believed to be taken by passengers, show some passengers having their hair messed up by air blowing into the cabin through the open door.
Among the passengers was a teenage athlete heading to a track and field competition. Some were screaming and crying in panic, Yonhap News reported, citing an unidentified coach.
Yonhap News reported that other passengers said their ears hurt badly after the doors opened. Some flight attendants yelled at passengers for help to prevent the doors from opening.
Twelve people were taken to hospital for treatment, the Ministry of Transport said. Daegu’s emergency authorities said the injured had trouble breathing and other mild symptoms.
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https://wgnradio.com/news/international/ap-passenger-opens-exit-door-during-airplane-flight-in-south-korea-12-people-slightly-injured/ Passengers open the exit door during flight in South Korea. 12 minor injuries | Wagon Radio 720