Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    A MAN was detained early yesterday morning in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, after attempting to set a fire onboard a Shenzhen Airlines flight before it made an emergency landing in Guangzhou.

    The passenger managed to smuggle a lighter and gasoline through Taizhou airport security, where the plane took off, and attempted to light the fire before the Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH9648 landed at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport around 1 a.m. yesterday, according to the airport.

    Taizhou City is located in East China’s Zhejiang Province.

    He was overpowered by flight crew and other passengers, said the airport.

    The official broadcaster, CCTV, and other State media reported that the pilot issued a mayday call and the plane was guided into the Guangzhou airport.

    The airport evacuated 95 passengers and nine crew members after the plane landed. Two injured people were sent to a nearby hospital.

    The public security bureau of Civil Aviation Administration Of China’s central and southern regional administration said in a statement yesterday that the passenger somehow brought a lighter and some gasoline on board the plane and tried to set a fire during the flight.

    The incident appears to point to a serious breakdown in security at the Taizhou airport. China bans the carrying of cigarette lighters and flammable substances, including spirits, on all flights.

    Guangzhou airport police and Shenzhen Airlines had no additional information, including the man’s possible motivation.

    Flights at the airport have resumed.