CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Panic on Taxiway: Passenger Opens Emergency Exit on KLM Flight in Atlanta, Inflatable Slide Deploys

KLM Flight KL622 was returned to Ramp 9 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Nov. 25 after a passenger reported seeing a possible weapon and then opened an emergency exit while the plane was taxiing, deploying the slide. The caller, identified as 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum, was detained, evaluated by EMTs and charged with Reckless Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property and Interfering with Security Measures. The flight was canceled and other passengers were rebooked; investigators say the account is preliminary and the probe remains ongoing.

01:15 AM, 11/28/2025Security
Panic on Taxiway: Passenger Opens Emergency Exit on KLM Flight in Atlanta, Inflatable Slide Deploys

A passenger on KLM Flight KL622 opened an emergency exit while the aircraft was taxiing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Nov. 25, deploying an inflatable evacuation slide and prompting police intervention.

The Atlanta Police Department says the plane returned to Ramp 9 after a 911 call reported a possible weapon on board. Officers boarded the aircraft and took into custody the caller, identified as 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum. Investigators say Van Heertum believed he had seen another passenger with a weapon and appeared to panic before opening the exit.

APD noted that Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. Emergency medical technicians evaluated him at the International Terminal precinct, and he was later charged with Reckless Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property and Interfering with Security Measures. He was then transported to Clayton County Jail without incident.

The airline canceled the flight and rebooked other passengers on the next available services. Authorities also notified the department's Homeland Security unit as part of the response.

Passenger accounts and response

Several travelers described a chaotic scene. Passenger Jack Anderson said he heard someone loudly claiming there was a gun on board, which alarmed others. According to witnesses, crew members and fellow passengers intervened as events escalated and police prepared to remove the caller at the gate.

Passenger Jane Anderson said: "Things escalated quickly and he ran and they pounced on him, but he had already opened the door to the aircraft."

Officials emphasized that the information released is preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.

Similar Articles

Trending