Flight Diverts to Nantes After Terrifying Turbulence
Passengers aboard a Ryanair flight from Alicante to Liverpool have described how they 'thought they were going to die' after severe turbulence hurled travellers and cabin crew towards the ceiling of the aircraft. The flight, Ryanair FR9887, was scheduled to depart Alicante at 4.35pm on Friday, July 10, bound for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA). However, the aircraft was forced to divert to Nantes in France after the turbulence left several people injured, a fact subsequently confirmed by Ryanair.
Passenger Accounts of the Ordeal
One passenger, returning to Liverpool with a friend after a group holiday, told the Liverpool Echo that the flight departed later than planned at 6.05pm. Approximately an hour into the flight, severe turbulence struck without warning. He said: 'The captain said it was severe turbulence but I've never known anything like that. It happened really quick. The plane dropped really bad. Everyone was screaming and crying.'
The passenger described how air hostesses were thrown into the air, and during a second bout of turbulence, the situation became 'absolutely terrifying.' He added: 'Passengers had their hands on people's shoulders and held them down so they wouldn't hit the roof. It was the most terrifying experience. Everyone was screaming, crying, we all thought we were going to die.' The pilot reportedly told passengers the plane dropped 300 feet in a couple of seconds.
Injuries and Medical Response
Upon landing in Nantes, paramedics boarded the aircraft. One passenger was placed on a stretcher after hitting the roof, a flight attendant was taken to hospital with a knee injury, and a man was seen wearing a neck brace. Passengers were asked if they needed assistance as they disembarked. The passenger noted that in the departure lounge, 'everyone was covered in coffee. One guy had blood on his face.'
Ryanair Confirms Incident
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed to the ECHO: 'FR9887 from Alicante to Liverpool Friday, July 10, experienced some air turbulence mid-flight. The aircraft diverted and landed normally at Nantes Airport, and a small group of passengers were taken for medical treatment. A replacement aircraft was arranged and departed for Liverpool at 12.20am local time.'
