Chaotic Evacuation at Palma Airport
Eighteen passengers sustained injuries during an emergency evacuation of a Ryanair flight at Palma de Mallorca Airport. The incident occurred just after midnight when a fire alarm sounded aboard the Boeing 737-800 preparing for departure to Manchester.
False Alarm Triggers Panic
Ryanair confirmed the alarm was false, though Spanish media reported the captain received an engine fire alert. Passengers evacuated using emergency slides, but panic led some to jump from the wings onto the runway. Medical teams treated 18 people at the scene, with six transported to local hospitals for further care.
Injuries and Aftermath
The airline described injuries as "very minor," primarily consisting of sprained ankles from the chaotic evacuation. Video evidence shows passengers landing awkwardly after jumping from the aircraft. All affected passengers were accommodated on a replacement flight to Manchester this morning.
Aviation Safety Protocols
This incident highlights challenges in maintaining orderly evacuations during perceived emergencies. Aviation authorities emphasize following crew instructions during evacuations to prevent secondary injuries. Ryanair has initiated an internal investigation into the alarm malfunction.