Why a blown-out plane window nearly sucked a passenger outside at 16K feet

A blown-out airplane window nearly sucked a passenger outside shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece, prompting aviation experts to explain how a cracked window and cabin pressure could create extreme suction. The passenger, identified as Serbian national Ljubisa Karović, was taken to hospital with neck injuries and friction burns after the incident, according to reporting cited in the article. Experts told Fox News Digital that depressurization followed after a piece of the engine reportedly broke off and struck the window. Steve Arroyo, an aviation safety expert and retired airline captain, said rapid decompression is extremely rare at major airlines, and emphasized keeping the seat belt fastened and following crew directions. Aviation consultant Richard J. Levy said the window cracked under cabin pressurization, broke, and then the pressure differential created strong suction. Ryanair confirmed the aircraft landed safely and said the window had “dislodged in-flight,” while details of the cause were still under investigation.