A passenger’s wife has described the frightening moments when she held onto her husband after he was pulled toward a damaged airplane window during a Ryanair flight traveling from Greece to Germany.
Ljubiša Karović, 61, from Serbia, was traveling with his wife Svetlana Grković after a summer holiday when an in-flight incident occurred aboard Ryanair flight FR1879 on July 10. The aircraft was flying from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, when a passenger window was damaged, causing a sudden loss of cabin pressure.
According to his wife, her quick reaction helped prevent a more serious outcome as she held onto him until other passengers assisted.
Incident
The incident happened shortly after the Boeing 737-800 aircraft departed from Thessaloniki. Reports indicate that part of the plane’s engine area may have broken away and struck a window near where Karović was seated.
The impact caused the window to break and created a hole in the side of the aircraft. The resulting cabin decompression caused a sudden change in pressure inside the plane.
Karović was wearing his seatbelt at the time, which prevented him from being completely pulled from his seat. However, his wife said part of his body moved toward the opening.
She described the moment as extremely frightening and said she immediately grabbed his legs to hold him in place.
Rescue
Speaking to local outlet Nova, Grković said she feared they might not survive the incident.
She explained that she held onto her husband for several minutes while the aircraft was still around 20,000 feet above the ground. She said she focused on keeping him secure until other passengers arrived to help.
According to her account, two fellow passengers assisted during the emergency and helped pull Karović back to safety.
| Flight Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Airline | Ryanair |
| Flight Number | FR1879 |
| Route | Thessaloniki to Memmingen |
| Aircraft | Boeing 737-800 |
| Incident Date | July 10 |
| Passenger Injured | Ljubiša Karović |
Emergency
Following the window damage, the aircraft crew declared an emergency and the flight returned to Thessaloniki airport.
Passengers reportedly experienced a frightening situation as oxygen masks were later deployed. Despite the damage, the aircraft landed safely, and passengers were able to leave the plane at the airport.
Ryanair confirmed that the aircraft returned shortly after takeoff because a passenger window had become dislodged during the flight.
The airline said the plane landed normally and that passengers were taken back to the terminal. A replacement aircraft was arranged to continue the journey to Germany.
Injuries
Karović remained hospitalized following the incident. Reports indicate that he suffered friction burns and was in a state of shock after the experience.
His injuries also reportedly affected his ability to speak. Medical staff continued monitoring his condition following the emergency landing.
The incident has drawn attention because of the unusual circumstances and the quick response from passengers who helped during the dangerous situation.
Investigation
Airline incidents involving aircraft windows are uncommon, and aviation authorities typically examine the cause of any structural damage after such events.
Investigators are expected to review the aircraft’s condition, maintenance records, and any available flight data to determine what caused the window failure.
The aircraft’s safe return allowed passengers and crew to avoid further danger, but the event highlighted the importance of safety equipment such as seatbelts during unexpected emergencies.
Aftermath
For Karović and his wife, what began as a routine return journey from vacation became a frightening aviation emergency. Grković’s actions during the incident played a central role in keeping her husband safe while waiting for assistance.
Ryanair said it arranged another aircraft to transport passengers to Memmingen after the original plane returned to Thessaloniki.
The investigation into the cause of the damaged window will determine what led to the failure, but the safe landing and quick actions of passengers and crew helped prevent a more serious outcome.
The incident remains a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during air travel and how passenger safety measures and cooperation can make a difference during emergencies.
FAQs
What happened on Ryanair flight FR1879?
A passenger window was damaged during the flight.
Who helped the injured passenger?
His wife and two passengers helped rescue him.
Where did the plane land?
The plane returned safely to Thessaloniki.
What injuries did Karović suffer?
He suffered burns, shock, and speech difficulties.
What aircraft was involved?
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800.
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