Passenger Detained After Attempts to Open Emergency Exit Mid-Flight Left One Crew Member With a Broken Leg

A passenger traveling from Spain to Venezuela was detained after trying to open the emergency exit mid-flight, resulting in a flight attendant breaking their leg due to the altercation.

The alarming event took place on February 28 aboard Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas Flight 701, when a passenger began disturbing travelers by shouting and slapping a sleeping seatmate, according to the New York Post.

After crew members intervened and relocated him, the situation escalated further as he attempted to open the emergency exit, causing panic among passengers.

As the crew rushed to subdue the passenger, a flight attendant suffered a partial fracture to his fibula. The crew was able to restrain the passenger, securing him in the back of the aircraft under supervision until the plane landed in Caracas.

"Immediately, our cabin crew subdued the passenger and, following the action protocol, secured him in the back of the plane until he reached the destination," a Plus Ultra spokesperson said, according to the Post. "At all times he was accompanied by two people from the crew, lying on the ground and attended to avoid any possible altercation."

Upon arrival, local authorities took him into custody. Meanwhile, authorities in Venezuela are expected to investigate the incident further, and the detained passenger could face legal consequences.