At a Glance
- A baggage handler was accidentally locked inside an Air Canada Rouge cargo hold on December 13 at Pearson International Airport
- Flight AC1502 returned to the gate after passengers heard screaming and banging from below the cabin
- The worker was freed unharmed; no injuries were reported
Why it matters: The incident highlights potential safety gaps in ground-crew protocols during pre-flight operations.
A baggage handler trapped inside the cargo hold of an Air Canada Rouge jet was rescued after the plane turned back on the tarmac at Pearson International Airport on December 13, according to multiple passenger accounts and airline statements.
Mid-Taxi Disturbance Halts Departure
Flight AC1502, bound for Moncton, New Brunswick, had just begun taxiing when travelers seated near the rear of the aircraft heard urgent sounds emanating from beneath the floor.
- Loud banging and cries for help were reported to cabin crew
- Several passengers contacted authorities while still on board
- The aircraft promptly returned to the departure gates
Passenger Gabrielle Caron told CBC that travelers realized something was wrong when crew members began rushing through the aisle and ground staff clustered around the cargo doors.
Discovery and Rescue
Air Canada confirmed to the Toronto Star that the cargo doors had been “inadvertently closed while a member of the ground crew was still inside.” Once notified, pilots halted the aircraft and coordinated with ramp personnel to reopen the hold.
“Some of the people who were sitting towards the back of the plane heard the person screaming and banging, trying to get their attention,” Caron said.
The worker was released from the compartment and assessed; airline officials reported no physical injuries.
Pilot Address to Passengers
A traveler later posted footage on Instagram of the pilot addressing the cabin after the incident:
> “I’ve never had that in my life. First time, hopefully first and last.”
He assured passengers that the trapped crew member was safe and thanked them for their patience as safety checks were completed.
Aftermath and Official Response
The flight eventually departed for Moncton following an inspection and crew change. Sophia A. Reynolds reported that News Of Losangeles has contacted:
- Air Canada corporate communications
- Peel Regional Police Service
- Pearson International Airport operations
- Toronto Pearson International Airport Authority
No formal statement beyond the airline’s initial confirmation has been released by these entities.
Key Takeaways
- Ground-crew safety checks failed to confirm the hold was clear before door closure
- Passenger awareness and quick reporting prevented potential escalation
- The incident is under internal review by Air Canada Rouge ramp operations
The quick actions of attentive travelers and flight crew averted injury in what the pilot called an unprecedented event for his career.
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This article is based on reporting originally published by News Of Losangeles.
