Passengers describe incident on KLM flight in Atlanta
A passenger opened an emergency exit and deployed the slide after calling 911. KLM canceled the Amsterdam flight and passengers were rebooked. The suspect was charged with multiple offenses. Witnesses said he appeared to be suffering a mental health crisis.
ATLANTA – A KLM Airlines flight bound for Amsterdam was canceled Tuesday after a passenger triggered a security scare at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, prompting the aircraft to return to the gate and police to board the plane, officials said.
What we know:
Atlanta police said officers responded to Flight 622 after 47-year-old Johannes Van Heertum called 911 from inside the aircraft, reporting that he believed another traveler had a weapon. Investigators said Van Heertum appeared to panic, opened an emergency exit door and deployed the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing, forcing the aircraft back to Ramp 9.
Airport police took Van Heertum into custody and said he appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. He was evaluated by EMTs before being charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property and interfering with security measures. He was later transported to the Clayton County Jail.
What they’re saying:
Passengers aboard the aircraft told FOX 5 the incident unfolded quickly and was “terrifying,” though no one was injured.
“He said someone had a gun on board, he was really loud,” said Jack Anderson, a passenger on the flight. “So we could all hear it.”
“Easiest way, I think, is to get rid of the psychotic passenger here at this position with the police presence,” a crew member told an air traffic controller.
“Things kind of escalated quickly and he ran and they pounced on him, but he had already open the door to the aircraft,” said Jane Anderson, a passenger on the flight.
“We are glad that he didn’t open it mid-flight,” Jack said.
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The other side:
KLM confirmed that the flight, scheduled to depart Nov. 25 for Amsterdam, was canceled out of safety concerns. The airline said all remaining passengers were rebooked on the next available flights. No weapon was found onboard, and APD Homeland Security was notified.
“We understand that this is inconvenient for the other passengers,” the airline said in a statement.
What’s next:
Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that preliminary details may change.
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