Passenger taken down, duct-taped after reported meltdown on flight

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An American Airlines passenger was taken down by a crew member and other travellers after suffering an apparent meltdown prior to departure.

The unidentified man was preparing to board an American Airlines flight to Miami from Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro/Galeao International Airport on Friday when the meltdown occurred, WPLG reported.

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The man said “help” and “they’re killing me,” in Spanish, the outlet reported, when five men – four fellow passengers and a crew member – worked to subdue the man.

Video of the incident shows the passenger flailing and punching as they used duct tape to tie up his ankles before security arrived.

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Footage shows another man trying to tape the passenger’s mouth shut, but he continued to thrash about, repeatedly shouting, “No!”

The men tried to calm him down, telling him to “breathe” and “hold my hand.”

The disturbing incident appeared to take place in the plane’s galley.

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It is unknown what caused the man to break down, according to the outlet.

Despite the scary ordeal, the flight landed in Miami 13 minutes ahead of schedule, according to FlightAware.

No arrests have been made.

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