Shrapnel From The Engine Caused A Window To Shatter, One Passenger Reportedly Pulled Partially Out Of The Airplane But Safe

A Southwest Airlines 737-700 suffered an uncontained engine failure Tuesday, and one passenger was reportedly partially pulled out of the decompressing airplane through a window that was shattered by the shrapnel from the engine.

The plane was en route from New York's LaGuardia airport to Love Field in Dallas when the incident occurred. The plane diverted to Philadelphia, where it landed safely. There were 143 passengers and five crew on board, according to the report.

The father of one of the passengers on the plane said he had been told that a woman "was partially ... drawn out towards the outside of the plane" but she was "pulled back by other passengers."

One passenger was reported to be in critical conditions with a head trauma, according to the report. Nine others suffered other injuries, but it was not known if they required hospitalization.

Passenger Marty Martinez told CBS posted several images on Facebook, saying he was "recording his last moments."

Southwest said in a statement that it was gathering additional information about the incident. "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. "Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 landed at Philadelphia International Airport this morning after the crew reported damage to one of the aircraft's engines, as well as fuselage and at least one window."

The FAA said in a statement that it was investigating the incident, and the NTSB has been notified. Boeing tweeted that the company was aware of the incident and is "gathering more information" to provide technical assistance with the investigation.

(Top image from YouTube video uploaded by BNO News. Lower image posted to Facebook by passenger Marty Martinez)

FMI: Original report