Grandmother Scarred for Life After Ryanair Tea Spill Incident
A Ryanair passenger has issued a stark warning after a horrifying accident on a flight left her with severe second-degree burns, stating she is now "scarred for life" and continues to experience traumatic flashbacks weeks after the event.
Flight from Bournemouth to Malta Turns Painful
Susan Martin, a 69-year-old grandmother of ten from Weymouth, Dorset, was travelling with her husband Billy, 63, on a Ryanair flight from Bournemouth to Malta. Approximately twenty minutes into the three-hour journey, disaster struck when the lid of her cup of tea came off, spilling boiling hot water onto her lap.
The scalding liquid caused painful burns on her upper thighs, groin area, and lower stomach. Photographs reveal raw, blistered skin where the drink made contact. Susan described the immediate aftermath as leaving her "hyperventilating" and in shock, with the onboard crew attempting to treat the burns using iced water and gel packs.
Details of the Traumatic Spill
Recounting the incident, Susan explained: "My husband ordered us a coffee and a tea via the app. It was a large cup of hot water with a teabag. They placed it on the drink tray, and whether I knocked the tray or the steam popped the lid off, it all happened so quickly."
She added that as the water spilled, she began "screaming" and "hyperventilating," later shaking uncontrollably. Crew members took her to the rear hold, where she removed her trousers and they poured cold water on the affected areas. "They applied gel packs and cream from the first aid box, changing them frequently as they warmed quickly. My legs had already started to blister," she said.
Concerns Over Water Temperature and Safety
Susan has raised concerns that the water used for her tea came directly from a vessel at the back of the plane, rather than the insulated jug on the drinks trolley, which she believes made it excessively hot. "I think the water was too hot as it was scalding. It shouldn't have been that hot. If it comes from the trolley jug, drinks are never that hot," she stated, calling it an "unfortunate accident" exacerbated by the lid failure.
Medical Treatment and Lasting Impact
Upon arrival in Malta, Susan was rushed to hospital via blue-light ambulance. There, her burns were dressed, she received IV antibiotics, and her bandages were changed daily. Back in the UK, she underwent six weeks of regular check-ups and dressing changes.
The injuries have left permanent scars, requiring daily moisturising cream and protection from the sun. "I am scarred and have to apply cream every day. I'm not allowed in the sun and for the rest of my life I must keep the scars covered," Susan revealed. She also admitted to stopping hot drinks entirely and experiencing ongoing flashbacks. "I do still have flashbacks and I think I always will," she said.
Warning to Other Passengers
Susan has urged fellow travellers to exercise caution with hot drinks on planes, ensuring lids are secure. "I got second-degree burns on my right upper thigh and lower abdomen, and first-degree burns to the left thigh and genital area. Can you imagine if that had been a young mother with a child on her lap? That would have been horrendous. I would hate anyone else to go through this," she emphasised, noting she remains "paranoid about hot drinks."
Ryanair has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
