Narrative:

During deplaning; the cockpit crew left with first class passengers. The door to the cockpit was locked. As the coach passengers began to deplane; the lights went out in the plane. Some people tripped and almost fell since they were plunged into to complete darkness. I made a PA stating to wait and be careful that power would come on in a minute. On the jet bridge was 4 customs agents and contract security. A ramper coming up with a stroller was asked to go downstairs and check if the power was plugged in. He refused at first and said why couldn't one of us go. The #1 told him he did not have the proper credentials to go downstairs. The ramper finally went to check. The #1 ran to get the agent who was in the terminal. The customs lead agent helped us by using his flashlight and shouting out commands to help get the people out. The agent took her time coming down the jet bridge. I said to her to call maintenance. She was like; 'why; what for?' I was like we needed to get the lights on. I also said customs and security can't get their checks done without lights. She then calls planning. Why I don't know; and states to us that they can't do anything. I made the decision to turn on the emergency evacuation lights. Finally we were able to get all the rest of the passengers off the plane safely. Not one of our ground employees helped without being told what to do. Only the customs workers came to help and did it professionally. The customs agents who was giving commands and using his flashlight should be thanked for his help. We had numerous children; elderly and pregnant ladies on board. A lot of people could have been seriously injured.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A B757 Flight Attendant reported that after the flight crew departed with the first class passengers the aircraft lost electrical power placing the cabin in darkness. Customs Officers helped deplane when Company personnel would not assist. Emergency Exit lighting was ultimated used.

Narrative: During deplaning; the cockpit crew left with first class passengers. The door to the cockpit was locked. As the coach passengers began to deplane; the lights went out in the plane. Some people tripped and almost fell since they were plunged into to complete darkness. I made a PA stating to wait and be careful that power would come on in a minute. On the jet bridge was 4 Customs Agents and Contract Security. A Ramper coming up with a stroller was asked to go downstairs and check if the power was plugged in. He refused at first and said why couldn't one of us go. The #1 told him he did not have the proper credentials to go downstairs. The Ramper finally went to check. The #1 ran to get the agent who was in the terminal. The Customs Lead Agent helped us by using his flashlight and shouting out commands to help get the people out. The Agent took her time coming down the jet bridge. I said to her to call Maintenance. She was like; 'why; what for?' I was like we needed to get the lights on. I also said Customs and Security can't get their checks done without lights. She then calls Planning. Why I don't know; and states to us that they can't do anything. I made the decision to turn on the emergency evacuation lights. Finally we were able to get all the rest of the passengers off the plane safely. Not one of our ground employees helped without being told what to do. Only the customs workers came to help and did it professionally. The Customs Agents who was giving commands and using his flashlight should be thanked for his help. We had numerous children; elderly and pregnant ladies on board. A lot of people could have been seriously injured.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.