Fri Nov 08 08:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Passenger Attempts to Open Emergency Door Mid-Flight, Restrained by Crew and Passengers
A passenger caused chaos on a Copa Airlines flight from Brasilia, Brazil to Panama City on Tuesday night after allegedly attempting to open the emergency door mid-flight. Footage of the incident shows the man being restrained in a headlock by a crew member while another attempted to attach plastic handcuffs.
Two passengers, Marcelo Ribeiro and Everaldo Torres, reportedly assisted in restraining the man. According to local reports, Marcelo attempted to reason with the passenger when he noticed him trying to open the door, which led to a fight. A photo shared shows the suspect sitting in his seat with what appears to be blood around his lips and nose, while two men restrain him.
The pilot required a few extra minutes to land the aircraft safely. Upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panamanian authorities arrested the suspect, who has not been named.
Copa Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident, praising the quick action of the crew and passengers. “The crew acted quickly and, with the assistance of some passengers, applied the necessary safety protocols to control the situation until landing in Panama,” the statement read. “Thanks to the professionalism of the crew, the safety of the flight and passengers was protected.”
The airline has been contacted for further comment.
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