Alaska Airline 448 was forced to land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as a ramp agent was trapped in the cargo hold. Hearing someone pounding underneath, the pilot reported to traffic control, and decided for emergency landing. The flight bound for Los Angeles was carrying 170 passengers and six crew members on board.
Passengers in the first class area also heard the banging sound and they suspected some error with the flight's engine. Later, they heard yelling and screams and realized that someone was inside the cargo area. The case was reported to flight attendants and Federal air marshals and they assured the man trapped underneath that the plane will be landing soon.
There were no clue who was trapped inside and the police even suspected a terrorist plan. When the plane landed within 10 minutes, fire trucks and police were ready to handle any emergency situation.
The ramp agent was taken to a hospital as soon as the plane landed. Police said the agent is alright as the cargo area was air conditioned and pressure controlled and they suspect that the ramp agent had fallen asleep when the plane was taking off.
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