American Airlines traveler restrained by passengers during meltdown before US flight
American Airlines crew and passengers were forced to take down and duct tape a screaming man before a flight bound for Miami International Airport on Friday night.
The unidentified man was preparing to board American Airlines Flight 948 at Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport when he unleashed a meltdown, saying “help” and “they’re killing me” in Spanish, according to ABC Local 10.
The shrieking passenger was restrained as the intense scene unfolded aboard the plane before airport security took him away.
The five brave men — four passengers and one airline employee — worked together to subdue the man, using duct tape on his arms and head, while also fighting off the unruly passenger’s punches inside one of the plane’s galleys, WPLG exclusive video showed.
As one passenger worked to get the man’s ankles tied up, another attempted to tape his mouth shut but was thwarted as the man’s head continued to thrash around.
He could be heard repeatedly yelling “No” as the men tried different methods to calm him down.
“Hold my hand,” and “breathe” were just some of the techniques used.
A cause for the meltdown was not revealed.
Despite the scary ordeal, the flight landed in Miami 13 minutes ahead of schedule, according to FlightAware.
No arrests have been made, the outlet added.
A 28-year-old man on board Qantas flight QF46 between Bali and Melbourne had to be restrained after he assaulted a crew member during the flight on Dec. 30, according to 9News.
“If you don’t get away from me, I will f— you,” he told those on board, the outlet reported.
Five passengers were required to bring down the belligerent traveler, who was handed over to police for questioning but didn’t face any charges.
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