Panic Ensues at Palma Airport After False Fire Alarm on Ryanair Flight
In the early hours of Saturday, a Ryanair flight preparing to depart from Palma Airport in Majorca faced a sudden emergency when a fire alarm was mistakenly triggered. The false alert sparked chaos as passengers evacuated the plane, some leaping off the aircraft's wing, resulting in 18 minor injuries, according to emergency responders.
Immediate Evacuation on the Runway
The incident unfolded just after midnight while the plane was still stationary on the runway. Following the alarm, passengers quickly evacuated, with videos circulating on social media showing individuals climbing onto the wing and jumping to the tarmac below. Others used the inflatable emergency slides as per standard safety procedures.
Emergency services responded promptly, deploying four ambulances along with fire and police units. Of those injured, six required hospital treatment but all suffered minor injuries such as sprains. Medical teams confirmed that three were admitted to Clinica Rotger and three to Palmaplanas Hospital.
Confusion and Distress Among Passengers
Eyewitness accounts highlighted a degree of confusion during evacuation. An airport worker noted frustration at passengers jumping from the wing rather than using emergency exits. Meanwhile, some passengers described mixed signals from the cabin crew, with one mother recounting her daughter's frightened phone call, expressing fear while descending the slide.
“One attendant was shouting to evacuate while another seemed frozen and shocked,” the mother said. She added the distress lingered even after her daughter’s safe return to the terminal, recalling a lack of support upon arrival.
Official Responses and Next Steps
Authorities confirmed the emergency alert was received at 12:36 am. A spokesperson for Majorca’s emergency services stated:
- Four ambulances, including two advanced life support units, were dispatched immediately.
- All reported injuries were minor.
- A total of six patients were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation.
Ryanair later issued a statement clarifying that the fire warning was false. The airline explained the flight was aborted before takeoff and passengers were safely disembarked via emergency slides. It acknowledged the minor injuries sustained during evacuation, mainly ankle sprains, and confirmed a replacement aircraft was arranged. The rescheduled flight departed Palma at 7:05 am.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to our passengers and thank emergency responders for their swift assistance,” the airline added.
Key Takeaways
- The false alarm led to a rapid, albeit chaotic, evacuation of the Ryanair flight.
- 18 individuals suffered minor injuries, with six hospitalized for precautionary care.
- Passengers used both emergency slides and, in some cases, the wing to exit the plane.
- The airline managed to continue service promptly with a replacement aircraft.
