A Southwest flight panic took over passengers yesterday after a passenger exits the plane via emergency exit in New Orleans.
The Southwest Airlines passenger reportedly tried to hijack a tarmac vehicle. He was apprehended by local authorities.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office issued a statement about the man arrested at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner.
The man is alleged to escape the plane through the emergency hatch. He then ran out onto the tarmac Sunday night.
The plane was still parked at the terminal and had yet to push back from the gate for takeoff.
Witnesses told media that the man opened the over-wing emergency exit door aboard a Southwest Airlines flight, jumped down off the plane, and ran across the tarmac in an attempt to drive away in a service truck before being stopped by authorities.
According to the JPSO, the man was later escorted to a hospital for evaluation.
Southwest Flight Panic In New Orleans
In a statement, by the airline, Southwest said, “We commend our flight and ground crews for their swift action…”
They also apologized to customers for the inconvenience.
Other Side Dallas will continue to update this story as details permit.
(This story has been updated to include video of the incident.)