Authorities said in a release
they responded to a call for a man who had "opened an aircraft door and
fallen out onto the tarmac while the aircraft was at the gate and
boarding" around 9 p.m. on Monday.
The man had minor injuries from
his fall and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Upon investigation, it was
determined that the man was "in a state of crisis" when the incident
occurred. He was later apprehended by the police.
A spokesperson of the Toronto
Pearson International Airport told USA TODAY that airport authorities were
alerted of the incident Monday evening and worked closely with the airline,
Peel Regional Police and Peel EMS to "support and determine the immediate
needs".
Passengers boarded 'normally'
Air Canada did not immediately
respond to USA TODAY's request for information but told Global News Canada that
its aircraft, a Boeing 777, was preparing for takeoff at the Toronto Pearson
International Airport when the incident occurred.
The airline told the media outlet
the passenger had boarded flight AC056 "normally" but instead of
going to his seat, went to the opposite side of the aircraft and opened a cabin
door. Emergency services and authorities arrived at the scene to assist the
man, Air Canada told Global News.
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“We can confirm all of our
approved boarding and cabin operating procedures were followed,” Air Canada
said in a statement to Global News, adding that it is continuing to investigate
the incident.
As a result of the incident, the
flight, which was scheduled to carry 319 passengers, was delayed and departed
almost six hours after its initial take-off time, according to Air Canada's
flight tracker.
