LOS ANGELES, California – A Spirit Airlines plane bound for Los Angeles was diverted to Denver on Wednesday when a passenger apparently tried to open an exit door during the flight.
Video from another passenger on Spirit Airlines Flight 185 showed passengers and crew members holding the man near the departure gate. A passenger, who asked not to be identified, told sister station NBCLA that the man came out of the bathroom shirtless and tried to open the exit door.
Later, the man was found being restrained by another passenger in an airplane seat.
The pilot had to make a last-minute stop in Denver, where authorities removed the passenger from the plane, which departed from Cleveland. The flight continued to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after the unexpected delay and arrived after midnight.
“It is important to note that it is impossible to open a door during flight due to the air pressure within the cabin holding the door against its frame with a force stronger than anyone could overcome,” Spirit Airlines said in a statement.
“Safety is our number one priority at Spirit Airlines. Law enforcement met the plane in Denver and detained the passenger. We are grateful to the crew members and guests who helped handle this situation quickly prior to arrival. ”
Look at the terrifying images.
In another video, the same passenger is shown on a stretcher that paramedics carry on wheels inside the Denver airport. The paramedics were accompanied by an individual dressed in Transportation Security Administration (NTSA) clothing.
The identity of the passenger was not immediately released or other details about what led to the disruption of the flight.