Passengers on an aircraft that was taxiing were reportedly horrified last month when frightening screams suddenly came from beneath the cabin shortly before takeoff.
Officials stated that a ground crew member was trapped inside the cargo hold after the doors closed behind him “inadvertently.”
The outlet reported that the incident occurred on December 13 as Air Canada Flight 1502 was preparing to depart for Moncton, New Brunswick.
The Airbus flight, carrying 184 passengers, was canceled as a result of the event.
According to passenger accounts given to CBC, alarming sounds of muffled banging and desperate screams quickly spread through the rear of the plane as it taxied toward the runway, causing flight attendants to run down the aisle in concern.
“Some of the people that were sitting towards the back of the plane heard the person screaming and banging, trying to get their attention,” said passenger Gabrielle Caron.
“We could see the crew gathering around the plane, so we knew something was happening,” she added. “Then, the pilot tells us that there is someone from the crew in the luggage hold.”
The plane reportedly stopped before it reached the runway. Shortly after, the trapped ground crew member exited the cargo area safely and came into the cabin, assuring startled passengers that he was not hurt, Caron reported.
Air Canada confirmed to CBC that the incident resulted in no injuries.
Caron further mentioned that the crew member was apparently helping ground staff by loading items as an extra helper and might have been overlooked when the doors were shut.
The aircraft later went back to the terminal, where passengers were instructed to get off while the flight crew finished required documentation, CBC reported.
After experiencing multiple delays, the flight was canceled, the outlet said.
Digital contacted Air Canada for additional details.