10.07.2026 14:40
A cracked window shortly after takeoff on a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany caused panic. As the head and shoulders of a 61-year-old passenger sitting by the window were sucked outside the plane, his spouse and other passengers held onto his legs to rescue him. The pilot made an emergency landing, while the injured passenger and a pregnant woman were taken to the hospital. An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Panic broke out on a passenger plane flying from Greece to Germany shortly after takeoff when a window shattered. While the head and shoulders of a passenger sitting by the window were thrust outside the plane, his spouse and other passengers managed to pull him back in by holding his legs.
TERROR AT 20 THOUSAND FEET
The Boeing 737-800 passenger plane took off from Thessaloniki, Greece, heading to Memmingen, Germany.
Shortly after takeoff, a loud explosion was heard at an altitude of approximately 20 thousand feet. According to claims, one of the passenger windows broke due to a piece that broke off from an engine part.
PASSENGER'S HEAD STUCK OUTSIDE THE PLANE
The head and shoulders of a 61-year-old Serbian passenger sitting by the window were suddenly thrust out through the broken window.
While the passenger's seatbelt being fastened prevented a greater disaster, his spouse held him by the legs for about five minutes to keep him inside. Other passengers and doctors on board also helped pull the man back into the cabin. Meanwhile, oxygen masks in the cabin automatically deployed.
PLANE MADE AN EMERGENCY RETURN
After the incident, the pilot changed the route and made an emergency landing at Thessaloniki Airport. In a statement from the airline, it was reported that the plane landed safely despite the broken passenger window, passengers were taken to the terminal, and the flight was completed with another aircraft.
INJURED TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
It was reported that the 61-year-old passenger, who suffered a neck injury and abrasions on his body, was conscious but in shock. A pregnant passenger on the plane was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. It was stated that her health condition was good and she was discharged.
While the exact cause of the incident is under investigation, initial assessments suggest that the window may have broken due to a piece that broke off from the engine.