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THESE are the terrifying moments passengers wrestled a plane hijacker to the ground – after he demanded the plane be diverted to the US.
The attempted aircraft thief threatened to jump with a flight attendant over Mexico yesterday, as horrified witnesses screamed and begged him not to.
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Shocking footage shows passengers fighting for their lives as they desperately drag the man, thought to be called Kel Mario N, 31, to the ground.
Mario does not go down easily, however, as the chaotic scene takes place within the claustrophobic confines of a Volaris flight from El Bajío to Tijuana.
Witnesses recounted that he became increasingly erratic and frantically claimed that landing in Tijuana would not be safe.
Mario then allegedly lunged at a flight attendant, pressing an object against her neck and tried to enter the cockpit.
Officials said the man told airline personnel that a close relative was kidnapped and that received a threat that he would die if he went to Tijuana, reported ABC.
Reports say that he wanted the plane to go to San Diego, although it is not know why as he also said he would jump to his death.
It is unclear why Mario wanted to divert to San Diego specifically.
Reports further note that Mario was travelling with his wife and children when he threatened suicide.
This makes the intent behind Mario‘s threat even more confusing.
A Volaris spokesperson said: “On flight 3041, which covered the route of El Bajío to Tijuana, a passenger tried, through the use of force, to divert the plane to the United States.”
“The crew acted in accordance with the established safety procedures and, according to the protocol, the plane was diverted to Guadalajara airport.
“Where the airline made the passenger available and in the custody of the competent authorities.
“Volaris has been constituted as an accusing party to ensure that it faces the full weight of the law, until its last consequences.
“All passengers, crew and aircraft are safe.
“The rest of the passengers were protected to continue their flight to the final destination.
“Volaris regrets the inconvenience caused by this situation.
“For Volaris, the safety of our passengers and crews is the top priority.”
The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he was arrested.
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