A JetBlue passenger was arrested after unexpectedly opening an emergency exit door on a plane taxied for takeoff at Boston Logan International Airport on Tuesday evening.
Why It Matters
This incident comes as tragic aviation incidents worldwide this year have sparked discussions on improving aviation safety, and in some countries, like South Korea, the incidents have prompted governments to start investigating the safety regulations carried out by domestic airlines.
What To Know
According to Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Tim McGuirk, the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time as other passengers noticed the individual opening an emergency exit door before a law enforcement official swiftly restrained the individual.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.
While authorities have not disclosed the passenger's identity, he has been arrested and is expected to face charges on Wednesday.
Eyewitness accounts have since given more details about the incident. Passenger Fred Wynn, seated near the individual, recounted to ABC-affiliated station WCVB-TV of hearing a heated argument between the man and his girlfriend over a cellphone moments before the chaos.
The airline confirmed the emergency door's opening caused the slide to deploy and prompted a temporary evacuation of the aircraft. While the incident caused alarm, JetBlue quickly addressed the situation by transferring passengers to a new aircraft, ensuring the flight ultimately landed safely in San Juan, the original destination.
JetBlue has not provided additional details about the passenger's behavior or potential motive.
Other Airline Incidents
On Monday, two people were found dead in a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida.
The bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of the aircraft on Monday evening, the airline previously told Newsweek.
The discovery was made during a routine inspection of the plane following its flight from New York. The identities of the deceased individuals remain unknown.
The deceased individuals were located in the aircraft after flight 1801 from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.
JetBlue is currently investigating the incident and deputies from the Broward Sheriff's Office, as well as medical examiners, were seen investigating the scene, according to NBC Miami.
Monday's discovery comes just weeks after another deceased individual was discovered in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane that flew from Chicago to Hawaii on Christmas Eve.
The wheel well is a hazardous location for stowaways as they can face low oxygen levels, hypothermia, crushing and the risk of falling out during flight.
What People Are Saying
Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Tim McGuirk said the door on the JetBlue aircraft at Boston Logan International Airport was opened "suddenly and without warning."
Passenger Fred Wynn told WCVB-TV: "They were behind me arguing. Then the guy got up and ran down the aisle. Then he went to the door and as soon as the door was open, the air marshal tackled him. Once they got him to the ground, I think everybody felt safe.
What Happens Next
While authorities continue to investigate Tuesday's incident, the passenger is expected to appear in East Boston District Court later Wednesday to be arraigned on charges.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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