Passengers on a Ryanair flight bound for Liverpool 'thought they were going to die' as severe turbulence sent travellers and cabin crew hurtling into the aircraft's ceiling, according to eyewitness accounts. The flight, FR 9887, was scheduled to depart from Alicante at 4:35pm on Friday, July 10, heading for Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA), but was forced to divert to Nantes in France after the incident.
Passenger Recalls Terrifying Experience
One passenger, returning to Liverpool with a friend after a group holiday, told the Liverpool Echo that the flight took off later than planned at 6.05pm. About an hour into the journey, severe turbulence struck without warning. 'The plane dropped really bad. Everyone was screaming and crying,' he said. 'The air hostesses went up in the air. It levelled off and calmed down for a couple of seconds. Then it went again. During the second time, it was absolutely terrifying.'
He described how passengers grabbed each other to prevent being thrown into the ceiling. 'Everyone was screaming, crying, we all thought we were going to die. People were shaking and screaming. If you had a drink, it was on the ceiling; two girls were covered in coffee.' The pilot reportedly announced that the plane dropped 300 feet in a matter of seconds.
Medical Treatment and Diversion
Emergency services were waiting at Nantes Airport as the aircraft landed safely. Paramedics boarded and treated injured passengers and crew. 'They put one girl on a stretcher. The poor girl hit the roof. One of the air hostesses was taken to hospital with a knee injury. I saw a man with a neck brace on,' the passenger recounted.
A Ryanair spokesperson confirmed the incident: 'FR9887 from Alicante to Liverpool on 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.' The spokesperson added that a replacement aircraft was arranged, departing for Liverpool at 12:20am local time.
Aftermath and Passenger Ordeal
After landing, passengers waited in the departure lounge before boarding the replacement flight. The traveller noted the scene: 'In the lounge, everyone was covered in coffee. One guy had blood on his face.' Despite the ordeal, all passengers were eventually transported to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
