Panic gripped passengers on a Ryanair flight at Palma Airport early Friday when a false fire alarm in the cockpit triggered an emergency evacuation, sending some travelers leaping from the aircraft’s wings onto the tarmac.
Flight RK3446, bound for Manchester, England, was preparing for takeoff when the fire warning light was activated in error, prompting a hasty evacuation. At least 18 people were injured, including six who were transported to local hospitals, authorities said.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as passengers scrambled to exit, with many using the Boeing 737’s overwing emergency exits and jumping onto the ground. Some passengers reportedly suffered broken bones and sprains.
Video footage circulating on social media showed the moment passengers fled down inflatable slides and out over the wings, despite Ryanair’s statement claiming passengers were disembarked using slides only.
Aviation experts noted that Boeing 737s do not have inflatable slides attached to the wings. In standard emergency procedures, pilots are expected to lower the wing flaps to reduce the distance to the ground for those evacuating via the wings. It was not immediately clear if that protocol was followed in this incident.
Emergency services responded to the scene around 12:35 a.m. local time. Ryanair later confirmed in a statement that the fire warning was a false alarm.
“A flight from Palma to Manchester discontinued take-off due to a false fire warning light indication. Passengers were disembarked using the inflatable slides and returned to the terminal,” the airline said. “While disembarking, a small number of passengers encountered very minor injuries (ankle sprains, etc.).”
The airline arranged a replacement flight, which departed Palma at 7:05 a.m. on Friday.
“We sincerely apologize to affected passengers for any inconvenience caused,” Ryanair said.
The incident has sparked safety concerns about emergency evacuation procedures, particularly the use of overwing exits in high-stress situations.
