Korean faces ten years in prison after opening emergency door mid-flight

The Korean whoopened the emergency door in mid-flight of an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321-200 in which he was traveling could face up to 10 years in prison for violating the aviation security law, according to the media.

The man, 33 years old and surnamed Lee, was formally presented this Sunday before the court for arrest, although the police of the Korean city of Daegu had previously requested an order to detain him due to the seriousness of the crime and the possibility that could flee, the newspaper notesThe world.

If found responsible, Lee faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for violating the aviation security law, which prohibits passengers from operating entry doors, emergency exit doors and other onboard equipment, according to the Ministry of Transportation of South Korea.

The Korean claimed in his defense that he wanted to “get off the plane soon” because he felt suffocated and in court he also said that he felt sorry for the children who were on the plane, probably some teenage athletes who were also on that flight.

Daegu police also assured that they have up to 20 days to investigate the man before determining whether to send him to prosecutors for possible indictment.

As a result of his act, 12 people were slightly injured by the air that rushed into the cabin and terrified the passengers. Some reported suffering severe ear pain and seeing others screaming and crying.

Emergency exit doors typically cannot be opened mid-flight due to the difference in air pressure inside and outside the aircraft, so Asiana Airlines officials believe they were able to open them because the plane It was flying at a low altitude, while preparing to land.

According to the Korean Ministry of Transportation, when this incident occurred the plane was at an altitude of 700 feet (213 meters) and was preparing to land in Daegu, after a one-hour flight from the southern island of Jeju.

Following this security violation, which occurred last Friday, Asiana Airlines said that, starting this Sunday, it will not sell seats in the emergency exits on its planes, as a preventive measure.