Charles Liu, 
Security is being tightened around China after a man tried to start a fire on board a passenger aircraft.
An investigation into a security breach at Taizhou Airport in Zhejiang Province is underway after a passenger started a fire that damaged the plane interior during its descent to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on the early morning of July 26.
The arson attempt was on board Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH9648 and caused a door of the airplane to be singed black, while cushions to a passenger seat were partially charred.
See Also: Out-of-Control Airline Passenger On Hong Kong Flight Restrained with Seat Belts and Packing Tape
Ninety-five passengers and nine flight crew were evacuated from the plane using emergency slides after landing at Guangzhou Airport not long after midnight. Two injured people were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
As for what actually happened on the flight, accounts vary depending on whom you ask.
A statement by Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport issued directly after the incident said the disruptive suspect was immediately subdued by cabin staff and other passengers for having “damaged the airliner’s equipment” without mentioning that a fire had been set. It also said the suspect is in police custody.
However, an eyewitness on board the plane said the suspect had time to set two fires, and then escaped from the plane without having been subdued. Some reports said the man used gasoline to help start the fires.
In an interview with Qianjing Evening News, passenger Huang Caihong said the suspect, a first-class male passenger between 40 to 50 years of age, was carrying a shoulder bag and a number of newspapers with him. “He lit the newspapers, but the fire was put out by cabin crew,” said Huang
Besides having an incendiary device, Huang said the man was in possession of a knife, another item banned from airline travel in China.
Huang said the man used the knife to threaten other passengers as he walked back to the economy class area, warning everyone to refrain from moving. However, two male airline staff forced him to stop while other passengers blocked his way with luggage.
At this point, Huang said the man returned to the first class section, where he set another fire.
“The cabin was engulfed with choking smoke,” Huang said. “Fortunately, the plane soon landed. If we had stayed in cabin for another five to six minutes, we could all have died.”
Huang said the man escaped from the plane by jumping from an open door while the other passengers left using the emergency slides.
Shanghai Daily cites an online report that said the suspect hit his head upon jumping from the plane, and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The main part of the investigation will center on Taizhou airport, and how the man got through security with gasoline and a knife.
Related:
