10.12.2015, 09:17
Vojvodina members prevent airplane incident

NEWS REPORT: Vojvodina assistant coach Milan Mirkovic and left back Alexey Rastvortsev prevented a passenger from trying to open the emergency exit door during the team’s flight back to Serbia

Vojvodina members prevent airplane incident

On their way home from the VELUX EHF Champions League match against Porto on Sunday, Vojvodina players have prevented a passenger from trying to open the emergency break inside the cockpit during the flight to Belgrade. 

According to the players’ accounts, the passenger had already problems boarding the plane as he nervously walked around the cabin, attempting to start a conversation with several passengers.

Mid-way through the flight the passenger then tried to open the plane’s emergency exit door in-flight.

Upon witnessing the incident, Vojvodina asistant coach Milan Mirkovic was the quickest to overcome the passenger, while towering Russian left back Alexey Rastvortsev immediately aided Mirkovic.  

"It wasn’t as frightening, as it was unpleasant, because you never know what to expect from someone who is capable of such behavior," said Alexey Rastvortsev.

Together with Mirkovic and Rastvortsev, the cabin crew took the passenger to business class, in order to separate him from the rest of the passengers.

"I spotted his strange behavior from the moment the plane took off. He was very nervous, and at one point he ran towards the cabin door, attempting to pull the lever – luckily, he was prevented," said Mirkovic.

The Vojvodina duo remained seated with the passenger and restrained him for the remainder of the flight.

"He moved restlessly, wanting to get up, but I kept him in his place, telling him to calm down.

"He was constantly going through his pockets, like was looking for something, and at one point, he mentioned he promised something to someone - which frightened us a bit, but fortunately, everything was alright for the remainder of the flight," said Mirkovic.

Upon landing at the Belgrade airport, the passenger was brought in for questioning by the Serbian police, and was detained in custody for the next 48 hours.

Mirkovic and Rastvortsev were hailed heroes by the domestic press, and were received by the Serbian president the following day.

TEXT: EHF / ts