Southwest Flight 4236 has arrived safely in Phoenix from Colorado Springs, Southwest Airlines said in a statement.
“Initial reports indicate that while the flight was being loaded to the gate, a customer on board exited the aircraft through a stern galley,” Southwest Airlines spokesman Dan Landson said. “The captain of the flight stopped the aircraft and notified air traffic control (ATC).”
It is unclear how the aircraft door was opened.
Phoenix Fire Station 19, which is located at the airport, was notified of the incident around 8 a.m., Phoenix Fire Department Captain Todd Keller said in a statement.
The man landed on the tarmac and made his way to the fire station, entered the building and locked himself in a dorm room, Keller said.
“After a few minutes, firefighters were able to get the adult man to unlock the door where he was then evaluated, treated and transported to a local hospital for a lower limb injury,” the firefighter added.
Authorities responded to the incident, after which the flight “continued to the designated gate,” Southwest Airlines said.
A Phoenix Police Department spokesperson told DailyExpertNews they are “aware of this incident and an investigation is ongoing.”
It is not clear whether the man will be prosecuted.