Chaos erupted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Tuesday as a departing flight was brought to a screeching halt. A passenger, seemingly overcome by panic, allegedly opened an emergency exit door and activated the inflatable slide while the plane was still taxiing towards the runway.
The startling act triggered an immediate security response, grounding KLM Flight 622, destined for Amsterdam. Authorities swiftly directed the aircraft back to the gate, where police officers boarded to investigate the unfolding situation and secure the plane.
Investigators soon learned the passenger, identified as 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum, had initiated the crisis with a frantic 911 call from inside the aircraft. He claimed to have spotted another traveler carrying a weapon, a report that quickly unraveled as investigators delved deeper.
Evidence suggested Van Heertum was experiencing a severe mental health episode, his actions fueled by escalating fear rather than genuine threat. The sudden deployment of the slide, a drastic and dangerous maneuver, was a direct result of his panicked state.
Emergency medical technicians evaluated Van Heertum at the scene before he was taken into custody by Atlanta Police. He now faces charges including reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interference with security measures.
A thorough search of the aircraft revealed no weapons of any kind, confirming that Van Heertum’s initial claim was unfounded. The incident, though frightening, thankfully resulted in no physical injuries to passengers or crew.
Passengers described the scene as “terrifying,” recounting how quickly the situation escalated from routine pre-flight procedures to a full-blown security scare. The flight was ultimately canceled, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Authorities have notified the Homeland Security Unit as a precautionary measure. Remaining passengers were rebooked on the next available flights, bringing a stressful ordeal to a close, though the memory of the unexpected disruption will likely linger.
Van Heertum was transported to the Clayton County Jail, where he will await further legal proceedings. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in managing passenger safety and mental health concerns within the complex environment of air travel.
