A passenger at an Australian airport was detained on Thursday after he exited a parked airliner via an emergency exit, walked onto the wing, and descended to the tarmac by climbing down a jet engine, according to authorities.
The incident occurred after Jetstar Flight JQ507 landed at Melbourne Airport from Sydney and parked at a terminal gate. Officials stated that the man exited the aircraft through the right-side emergency exit.
Watch The Viral Video:
What was he thinking? A passenger in Australia opened the emergency exit after a Jetstar plane touched down at Melbourne Airport & went down the emergency slide. pic.twitter.com/Mmdq1sSVOq
— Francynancy (@FranMooMoo) August 22, 2024
Audrey Varghese, a fellow passenger, shared with Melbourne Radio 3AW that the man exhibited “quite strange behavior.” She described how he suddenly rushed toward the emergency exit row, pushing passengers aside and causing a disturbance before forcefully opening the emergency door. The door’s automatic slide deployed from the wing to the ground, but instead of using it, the man walked along the wing and climbed down one of the Airbus A320’s engines.
Another passenger, Maddison, told Nine News television that the man had been vaping during the 90-minute morning flight—an activity prohibited on the plane—and had unsuccessfully demanded alcohol from the flight crew.
The Australian Federal Police apprehended the man for “alleged aggressive behavior and violating aircraft safety protocols.” After being assessed by paramedics, he was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are expected to be filed later.