She is the first person to be killed on a US commercial flight since 2009. RIP.
The family of Jennifer Riordan, the woman that was tragically killed after a Southwest Airlines jet engine failed and its debris blew up a window, have released a statement.
The engine exploded at 32,000 feet which caused shrapnel to smash a nearby window. As this account details, “The engine blew and then a window blew out near the engine. A woman, sitting close to that window, was almost taken out of the aeroplane and had to be taken back in.”
Later that evening, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel confirmed that Mrs Riordan had died and that seven other passengers were treated on scene for minor injuries.
Riordan, 43, was making her way back home to Albuquerque, New Mexico, when the horrific incident occurred. Despite receiving medical assistance, she died at a Philadelphia hospital after the plane made an emergency landing.
Her family issued the following statement on Tuesday night: “Jennifer Riordan has passed away as a result of previously reported events on Southwest Airlines flight #1380. Jennifer’s vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured.
“But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children. We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support from family, friends and our community.
“We do ask that those who seek to express their condolences and prayers as well as media outlets respect our privacy at this time. Our family and friends need this time to both grieve and celebrate Jennifer’s impact on us all. In her memory–please remember to always be kind, loving, caring, and sharing.”
STATEMENT from the family of Jennifer Riordan, the @SouthwestAir passenger killed during the explosive decompression of SWA 1380 this morning. She was an Albuquerque, NM resident. pic.twitter.com/s4nf6O22JW
— Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) April 18, 2018
Since the tragic news broke, several leaders and government officials in New Mexico were mourning Riordan’s death. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said the city “lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community.”
Following the incident, Southwest Airlines have released the following statement: “Southwest Airlines confirms an accident involving Southwest Airlines Flight #1380. The flight made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) earlier today after the Crew reported issues with the number one engine which resulted in damage to the fuselage.
“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.
“The aircraft involved today was a Boeing 737-700 (N772SW) and was enroute from New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL). In total, the flight had 144 Customers and five Southwest Crew Members onboard. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Southwest Pilots and Flight Attendants who acted professionally and swiftly to take care of our Customers during the emergency diversion and landing.
“Finally, Southwest Airlines officials are in direct contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support an immediate, coordinated response to this accident. Southwest is in the process of gathering additional information regarding Flight #1380 and will fully cooperate in an investigative process.”
The National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. During a recent press conference, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said that one of the engine’s fan blades was separated and missing.
The blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue, he said.
The investigation is expected to take 12 to 15 months.
NTSB investigators on scene examining damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane. pic.twitter.com/2dyDzOW8pT
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) April 18, 2018
