Around 3 p.m. this afternoon Alaska Airlines Flight 448, heading for Los Angeles, was forced to turn around and make an emergency landing after the pilots heard “banging” and screaming coming from the cargo hold.

Approximately 14 minutes after takeoff the pilots aboard 448 radioed back to SeaTac that they needed to turn around and make an emergency landing. Passengers on the plane could also hear the cries for help and banging from the hold. Initially it was speculated that someone had managed to stow away in the wheel well of the aircraft.

Upon landing it was discovered that a ramp agent working for Menzies Aviation had fallen asleep inside the cargo hold and woke up once the plane was in the air. Medics quickly rushed the man to Harbor View Medical Center, though Alaska Airlines has confirmed that the worker is in good health and o.k.

“After landing, the agent, an employee of Menzies Aviation, walked off the aircraft from the front cargo hold, which is pressurized and temperature controlled. Upon exiting, he told authorities he had fallen asleep. The agent was transported to a local hospital as a precaution. We are actively investigating this matter,” posted Alaska Airlines to their blog at 4:05 p.m.

"Alaska Airlines #448 returned to Sea-Tac after hearing screaming from cargo hold. Plane landed safely. POSFD (Port of Seattle Fire Department) discovered ground crew member in cargo hold. No injuries. Taken to local hospital for precaution,” wrote Perry Cooper of the Port of Seattle in an email.

Passengers on 448 immediately took to social media during the incident, with numerous tweets and Instagram photos going viral.

The air temperature in the cargo holds can vary depending on the needs of the cargo. Normally when the temperature and pressure are controlled it can drop to 7 degrees Celsius or 44.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When pets or other animals are in the hold the temperature is raised to around 18 degrees Celsius or 64.6 degree Fahrenheit.

The FAA and Alaska Airlines are currently investigating the matter. Menzies Aviation could not immediately be reached for a comment.