Flight Attendant Breaks Leg During Mid-Air Incident
UNRULY PASSENGER – A flight attendant broke her leg while trying to stop a disruptive passenger who attempted to open the emergency exit during a flight.
The incident occurred on Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas Flight 701, traveling from Madrid, Spain, to Caracas, Venezuela. Reports indicate that the male passenger began causing trouble by disturbing other travelers. He allegedly slapped and yelled at a sleeping passenger beside him, prompting the cabin crew to intervene and relocate him to another seat.
However, the passenger continued misbehaving and later attempted to open one of the plane’s emergency exits while it was still in the air. Flight attendants acted quickly to prevent a disaster, but in the process, one of them suffered a severe leg injury, breaking a bone in her lower leg.
Medical staff treated the injured flight attendant, and doctors advised her to take several weeks off work to recover. While her injury is not life-threatening, it has temporarily prevented her from performing her duties.
When the plane landed in Caracas, airport authorities immediately arrested the disruptive passenger. It remains unclear what legal actions will be taken against him, but aviation laws impose strict penalties on actions that endanger flight safety.
Meanwhile, opening a plane’s emergency exit during a flight is extremely dangerous, as it can cause sudden decompression, potentially pulling people and objects out, reducing oxygen levels, and creating panic inside the cabin. At high altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet, passengers would be exposed to freezing temperatures (-50°C) and dangerously low oxygen levels, which can lead to unconsciousness or severe cold injuries.
Forcing an emergency exit open could also damage the aircraft, affect its stability, and make it harder for pilots to maintain control. The strong wind rushing inside could cause serious injuries to passengers and crew. Fortunately, these exits are designed to remain locked in flight due to the high cabin pressure.
Attempting to open an emergency exit is a serious offense that can result in arrest, heavy fines, and a permanent flight ban. Airlines and authorities strictly enforce these rules to ensure passenger safety.