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Woman 'Almost Sucked Out Of Plane Window After Engine Explodes' During Flight

Woman 'Almost Sucked Out Of Plane Window After Engine Explodes' During Flight

Passengers had to drag the woman back into the Southwest Airlines plane - that's us never getting on a plane again

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Footage has emerged after a female passenger was partially sucked out of the window of a Southwest Airlines plane.

One person has been killed and several others are receiving medical treatment, reports the BBC.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that that they are aware of one fatality.

It has been claimed that she had to be pulled back inside when the aircraft glass was shattered by shrapnel from an exploding engine.

The Boeing 737-700 had not long departed from LaGuardia Airport in New York City and was on its way to Dallas when the left engine exploded and shrapnel flew towards the window, reports the MailOnline.

It was flying over western Pennsylvania with 143 passengers and five members of crew on board when the left engine suddenly exploded at 32,000ft.

The female pilot immediately diverted its course and flew towards Philadelphia to make an emergency landing. It arrived at 11.30am, around 10 minutes after the engine exploded.

Surely this hero deserves a medal?

One passenger, Marty Martinez, filmed himself live on Facebook as he fitted his oxygen mask.

Facebook/Marty Martinez

In his most recent social media post, he wrote: "I literally bought WiFi as the plane was going down because I wanted to be able to reach the people I loved...thinking these were my final moments on earth.

"And put in a position to have to prioritize the people I loved to send them my final words was an absolutely gut wrenching feeling.

"So I thought to Facebook LIVE my experience, thinking this would be my last communication with the people I loved and my team back home."

Facebook/Marty Martinez

According to other passengers on the plane, the shrapnel smashed a window next to the female passenger, who was 'partially sucked through it' as the aircraft made a descent.

Todd Bauer, the father of another traveller, told NBC 10: "One passenger, a woman, was partially drawn out towards the out of the plane, she was pulled back in by other passengers."

The woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition, reportedly with head injuries. One witness said there was 'blood everywhere' as a result of the accident.

A nurse and an emergency medical technician who were also on the terrifying flight helped her until the plane landed and she was taken to hospital.

Facebook/Marty Martinez

Horrified passengers shared videos and photos from on board before the plane landed as they descended at 3,000ft per minute until they levelled out at 10,000ft.

The female pilot, named by passengers as Tammy Jo, called ground and asked for paramedics to meet them, saying: "We have a part of the aircraft missing."

When asked if the plane was on fire, she said: "No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. They said there is a hole and someone went out."

In a statement posted to Twitter, Southwest Airlines said there were 143 passengers on board, along with five crew members.

"We are in the process of gathering more information. Safety is always our top priority at Southwest Airlines, and we are working diligently to support our customers and crews at this time," the airline said.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Marty Martinez

Topics: Viral, Pilot, News, Passengers, US News