Violent turbulence hits a Ryanair flight in Germany, forcing an emergency landing and injuring 9 - ABC News

Turbulence Troubles: Ryanair Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Germany

A Ryanair flight en route from Berlin to Milan was forced to make an emergency landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria, Germany, on Wednesday evening, after encountering severe turbulence. The incident, triggered by intense storms sweeping across southern Germany, resulted in injuries to nine individuals on board, according to German police.

The flight, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, experienced the violent turbulence at approximately 8:30 p.m. The severity of the conditions compelled the pilot to take immediate action, diverting the aircraft to Memmingen Airport for an unscheduled landing.

Here's what we know so far:

• Nine people were injured: Eight passengers and one crew member sustained injuries as a result of the turbulence.
• Hospital treatment: Three individuals were transported to a hospital in Memmingen for further medical attention.
• Outpatient care: The remaining injured passengers received outpatient treatment at the airport.
• Passenger safety: Emergency services assessed all passengers for potential injuries as a precautionary measure.
• Flight grounded: Authorities deemed the aircraft unfit to continue the journey.
• Alternative transport: Ryanair arranged bus transportation for the passengers to reach their final destination in Milan, roughly 380 kilometers (236 miles) south of Memmingen.

The disruptive weather wasn't confined to the skies. Elsewhere in southern Germany, particularly in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, the storms caused significant damage to property. The German news agency dpa reported that several homes in the Donaustetten district suffered severe damage.

Storm Aftermath:

• Roof damage: Strong winds ripped roofs off numerous row houses in Donaustetten, rendering them uninhabitable.
• Tornado speculation: Fire officials suspect a small tornado or waterspout might have been responsible for the extensive damage.
• Weather investigation: The German Weather Service (DWD) is currently investigating the cause of the damage, according to dpa.
• Widespread impact: Emergency calls related to storm damage poured in from various areas in southern Germany, primarily involving fallen trees and flooded basements.

The German Weather Service (DWD) issued warnings for further storms on Thursday, anticipating hail, strong winds, and localized heavy rain. This serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its potential impact on travel and daily life.

This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols during flights, especially when turbulence is encountered. While airlines take every precaution to ensure passenger safety, unexpected weather events can pose significant challenges. Our thoughts are with those injured, and we commend the quick response of the flight crew and emergency services in ensuring the well-being of everyone on board.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/violent-turbulence-hits-ryanair-flight-germany-forcing-emergency-122523012