An All Nippon Airways flight traveling from Tokyo to Houston was forced to divert to Seattle on Saturday after a passenger attempted to open an exit door mid-flight, according to officials.
A spokesperson for the Port of Seattle Police Department, Chris Guizlo, confirmed to CBS News that a male passenger tried to open one of the aircraft’s exit doors while the flight was en route. Fellow passengers and flight crew members intervened and restrained the individual prior to the plane’s landing.
The aircraft landed safely at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at approximately 4:19 a.m. local time, Guizlo stated. Upon arrival, the Port of Seattle Police Department evaluated the man and determined that he was experiencing a medical crisis. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the man will face any charges in connection with the incident.
CBS News reached out to the Seattle branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for comment. While the aircraft was on the tarmac in Seattle, a second, unrelated passenger also became unruly and was removed by the Port of Seattle Police, All Nippon Airways confirmed.
Flight data from Flightaware.com indicates that the flight continued its journey from Seattle to Houston shortly after 7:00 a.m. local time.
In a statement, All Nippon Airways emphasized, “The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support.”
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