American plane forced to turn around because passenger tried to open emergency exit

A Delta Air Lines passenger was charged on July 7 with trying to open an emergency exit on a plane traveling from Seattle to China.

Reuters reported that Joseph Daniel Hudek IV, 23, was arrested on July 6 on a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-300 carrying 221 people. The plane had to return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 2 hours after takeoff due to the incident.

A Delta Air Lines plane. Photo: AFP.

According to the FBI investigation, it all started when Hudek, a first-class passenger, rushed to the emergency exit at the front of the plane, grabbed the handle and tried to open the door. Crew members and passengers rushed to stop him.

Hudek is said to have punched a flight attendant and a passenger, and continued to try to open the door even after another flight attendant hit him in the head with two wine bottles.

The man's motive is unclear. According to the FBI, Hudek had a beer but did not appear to be intoxicated. During the struggle, he shouted, "Do you know who I am?"

The plane landed safely while the two people who were beaten were treated for facial injuries.

Hudek appeared in Seattle District Court on July 7 and was charged with obstruction of flight. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

According to Zing.vn