Multiple people injured after Ryanair flight hits 'supercell' storm
Multiple people injured after Ryanair flight hits 'supercell' storm
The flight from Berlin to Milan was forced to make an emergency landing after it was hit by extreme turbulence
185 passengers were impacted by the severe weather
(Image: Facebook )
Last night, a Ryanair flight was forced to perform an emergency landing after hitting a severe thunderstorm, resulting in injuries to nine people including a two-year-old child and a member of the crew, leaving passengers petrified. The pilot decided to abort the journey, landing at the nearest aerodrome, as one passenger deemed it "chaotic and dangerous".
The aircraft, with 185 people on board, encountered violent turbulence while travelling over southern Germany. Originally flying from Berlin to Milan Malpensa, the captain made an emergency landing Memmingen Airport, in Bavaria.
A representative for German officials confirmed that among the nine individuals injured were one staffer and a toddler. The toddler suffered bruising, while another traveller sustained a head wound, and another complained of back pains; all three were subsequently admitted to hospital facilities.
Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the airport and the remaining passengers were unable to finish their journey by air. Ryanair instead organised buses for passengers to finish their journeys.
The plane landed at Memmingen Airport, in southern Germany
(Image: AP )
Experts have said the aircraft encountered a "supercell" – a dangerously powerful rotating thunderstorm. Supercells, capable of growing up to 30 miles in diameter, may feature tornado-like winds internally. Flightradar24 data revealed a drastic change in route heading towards Memmingen during the flight.
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Germany's weather service had put out severe storm warnings, warning about hail and violent storm gusts. In Ulm, not far from the chaos, a tornado ripped rooftops off several homes. Firefighters responded to dozens of call-outs. Statements from German Police and Ryanair are anticipated later this morning.
The terrifying experience began surfacing on social media earlier today as passengers recalled their experiences. Several were left out of their seats when the turbulence hit. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
One passenger told German newspaper Bild: "I've never been scared before - but at that moment, I thought the plane was going to break apart or roll over!".
Following the event, passengers were reportedly confined within the aircraft for several hours, leaving many disgruntled and tense. Upon landing, emergency services greeted the passengers after the captain called for medical backup.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: "FR8 from Berlin to Milan on 4th June diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence.
"The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally. To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning.
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"We sincerely apologise to passengers affected by this diversion."
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