A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen made an emergency landing after an engine part allegedly broke a cabin window, causing a decompression that partially sucked passenger Ljubisa Karović out of the aircraft. According to the airline and the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority, the incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Greece.
Emergency Landing in Thessaloniki Following Cabin Decompression
Ryanair confirmed in an official statement that a flight departing Friday morning performed an emergency landing at Thessaloniki airport. The airline stated the maneuver was necessary after a passenger window “came loose” during the flight.
Svetlana Grković, who was traveling with her husband Ljubisa Karović, told the Serbian news portal Nova that the event began with a sound resembling an explosion. Grković reports that a piece of the engine allegedly broke and struck the window near their seats, triggering an immediate loss of cabin pressure.
Did you know? Cabin decompression occurs when the pressurized air inside an aircraft escapes into the atmosphere, which can lead to hypoxia and physical trauma if the altitude is high enough.
Passenger Rescue and Injuries Sustained
The decompression caused Ljubisa Karović, 61, to be partially sucked through the broken window. Svetlana Grković and two other passengers intervened by grabbing Karović by the legs to pull him back into the cabin.
Grković described the aftermath as severe, stating that Karović’s face appeared “deformed” with blood flowing from his nose and mouth. She told Nova that she reacted instinctively, thinking, “If we are going to die, we die together.”
Current reports on Karović’s condition indicate he is in shock and suffering from significant hand injuries and burns. Grković noted that her husband is currently unable to communicate or recall the full sequence of events.
Investigation by Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Authorities
Fraport Greece, the operator of the Thessaloniki airport, has confirmed that the incident is now under formal investigation. The probe is being led by the Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority.
This process typically involves examining maintenance logs and wreckage debris to identify mechanical failure or foreign object damage.
Pro Tip: In the event of sudden decompression, aviation experts recommend putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others to avoid losing consciousness.
Comparison of Incident Reports
| Source | Description of Event |
|---|---|
| Ryanair | A passenger window “came loose” shortly after takeoff. |
| Svetlana Grković | An engine part broke, hit the window, and caused an explosion-like sound. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on the Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki?
A window broke during the flight, allegedly due to a piece of the engine breaking off, leading to a cabin decompression and an emergency landing.
Who was injured in the incident?
Ljubisa Karović was partially sucked out of the plane. He suffered burns, hand injuries, and facial trauma.
Who is investigating the crash?
The Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority is conducting the investigation, according to Fraport Greece.
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