On Sunday evening, During Southwest Airlines flight 3172 from New Orleans to Atlanta, a passenger opened the emergency exit door while the plane remained at the gate, then jumped out onto the tarmac and attempted to steal an airline vehicle.
Witnesses described the startling moments when the man unlatched the emergency exit door above the wing while aboard the Southwest Airlines flight. After walking on the aircraft’s wing, he jumped down onto the tarmac.
He then tried to steal an airport service truck, however his attempt was promptly thwarted by authorities.
The man was arrested and taken to the hospital for a mental evaluation.
Watch:
🚨#WATCH: As Passengers Panic After Man Jumps Out of Emergency Exit on Southwest Airlines Flight and Attempts to Hijack Airport Vehicle.
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 27, 2023
📌#NewOrleans | #Louisiana
A passenger aboard Boeing 737 MAX 8 Southwest Airlines flight 3172 from New Orleans to Atlanta caused major panic… pic.twitter.com/NYMbAmBb5b
The man’s identity remains undisclosed and his motive is unclear at this time.
Southwest Airlines provided a statement to WWL Louisiana, acknowledging the incident and praising the swift reaction of their flight and ground crews. They extended apologies to customers for any disruptions caused.
At present, there have been no reports of criminal charges filed against the individual. Nevertheless, the JPSO has forwarded the case to federal authorities for additional investigation.
