Ryanair plane crashes into barrier leaving passengers terrified

Wales Online

8 hours ago

Ryanair plane crashes into barrier leaving passengers terrified
A Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Kalamata in Greece suffered 'severe turbulence' during the journey - and when it landed, the wing of the aircraft crashed into a fence
A Boeing 737-8AS for Ryanair
(Image: Getty )
Passengers on a Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Kalamata were left rattled after their aircraft collided with a barrier at the Greek airport.
The Boeing 737 encountered "severe turbulence" during its journey to the Peloponnese city on Wednesday. Despite a successful landing, passengers were startled by a "loud banging sound" as the plane hit a fence.
‌
Photos circulating online reveal significant damage to the aircraft's wing. A passenger remarked that they had been forewarned of a potential "a bumpy landing" but tension escalated when they were told to stay seated for the arrival of the fire brigade, amid fears of a fire hazard. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
‌
A source informed The Sun: "The flight took off from London Stansted on Wednesday morning and headed for Kalamata. There was severe turbulence during the flight, but it managed to land on the runway at Kalamata International.
"The crew said it was going to be a bumpy landing," according to the Irish Mirror, reports Belfast Live.
Article continues below
The passenger continued: "But while it was taxiing down the runway towards the red and white barrier at the end, the plane turned and everyone heard this loud banging sound. You could feel the impact."
After the wing was damaged, the crew directed passengers to remain seated and await instructions. The situation became more tense for those onboard when it was announced that the fire brigade had been called, the insider added.
Passengers voiced their concerns, stating: "There was an announcement that everyone had to wait on the plane for the fire brigade. With the wing damaged the way it was, why wouldn't you evacuate the plane first? Everyone was scared - it was the fact they said wait on the plane even though there was clearly a risk of fire."
Article continues below
Ryanair responded with a statement to The Mirror, saying: "This flight from London Stansted to Kalamata (18 June) was taxiing to stand when the wing tip came in contact with a fence at Kalamata Airport. The aircraft subsequently continued to stand, and passengers disembarked normally. The aircraft then underwent the required inspections and maintenance prior to its return to service."