Southwest Engine Explosion Forces Emergency Landing, Leaves One Dead

Update: April 17, 2018 at 4:55 p.m. ET

Southwest Airlines released an official statement on the death of a passenger Tuesday:

We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, employees, family members and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We have activated our emergency response team and are deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy.

Update: April 17, 2018 at 3:45 p.m. ET

National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt revealed Tuesday one passenger onboard the Southwest Airlines flight that suffered an engine explosion died after being transported to the hospital.

According to The Associated Press, in addition to the death of an unidentified passenger, seven other people were injured in the incident and treated on the scene by medical personnel.

The NTSB said the engine that caused the emergency landing in Philadelphia would be shipped to investigators for a detailed examination. Federal Aviation Administration officials said the flight from New York to Dallas was diverted after the crew reported damage to one of the engines.

Original Text

At least one person had to be taken to a local hospital Tuesday after the engine of a Southwest Airlines plane exploded, forcing the flight to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia.

According to 6ABC.com, Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 was traveling from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport to Love Field in Dallas, Texas, when the left engine of the aircraft suffered a mid-flight failure.

The engine began to break apart, ripping the shrouds around the motor and sending debris that penetrated the cabin and caused the plane to depressurize. One woman near a window that was broken during the failure was reportedly sucked toward the opening, according to NBC Philadelphia.

EMERGENCY LANDING: A @Southwest plane made an emergency landing at @PHLAirport after a reported engine explosion.

: Marty Martinez
MORE: https://t.co/AfupkhetUa pic.twitter.com/qC3ir44ETC

— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) April 17, 2018

The unidentified passenger who was injured in the incident was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, but there were no updates on their condition.

The pilots landed the Boeing 737-700 safely at Philadelphia International Airport around 11 a.m. ET, and they were met by emergency crews who evacuated the 143 passengers and five crew members onboard.

Officials at the Philadelphia airport issued a full ground stop and a statement on the facility’s Twitter account:

.@SouthwestAir flight #1380 update: Flight from LGA to Dallas Love Field landed safely at PHL and passengers are being brought into the terminal. Flights are departing and arriving but passengers should expect delays. Check flight status with your airline.

— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) April 17, 2018

Several images from the ordeal were also shared on Twitter:

Passengers can be seen calmly deplaning the Southwest plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia moments ago (Source: WPVI) pic.twitter.com/pA7QVzVHHW

— Brian Ries (@moneyries) April 17, 2018

CRAZY PHOTO: Southwest Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Philadelphia after reported fire and explosion that came from one of the plane’s engines

(Photo via @joeasaprap) pic.twitter.com/x8084t1spK

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 17, 2018