ATHENS/BERLIN, 11 July (H.S.): A passenger was injured after a window on a Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft broke during a flight from Greece to Germany. The airline confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft landed safely back at the departure airport and that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the window failure.

According to media reports, the incident occurred on Friday aboard Flight FR1879, which was travelling from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany, and was operated by Malta Air on behalf of Ryanair. Reports said the aircraft experienced a technical problem shortly after take-off. Some media reports claimed that a piece of debris from the engine struck the aircraft's fuselage, damaging one of the cabin windows.

According to the reports, a 61-year-old passenger from Serbia, who was seated next to the damaged window, sustained injuries due to strong airflow and sudden changes in cabin pressure. After the aircraft landed, he was admitted to hospital in a state of shock. Reports said he was wearing his seat belt, which prevented him from being pulled out of the aircraft. They further claimed that his wife held onto his legs while other passengers helped pull him safely back inside.

The incident caused panic inside the aircraft cabin. Videos circulating on social media show the damaged window. Some reports also stated that the oxygen masks deployed automatically after the loss of cabin pressure.

In a statement, Ryanair said the flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen returned safely to Thessaloniki shortly after take-off on Friday morning following damage to a passenger window. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft for the affected passengers and said the cause of the incident is under investigation.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing also confirmed that it is aware of the incident and is in contact with Ryanair. The exact cause of the window damage has not yet been officially determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar