Woman SUCKED OUT OF PLANE window after horror explosion - first pictures
A WOMAN who died after being partially sucked out of a plane window at 33,000 feet has been named as mother-of-two Jennifer Riordan.
Ms Riordan died of her injuries in horrific circumstances when an engine exploded on her Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Dallas.
Passengers fought to save her after the window she was sitting next to shattered from the engine blast, sucking her out of the plane.
Incredibly, passengers managed to pull the woman back into the plane but Ms Riordan later died of her injuries.
Witnesses reported horrifying scenes as those sitting near the Wells Fargo executive fought to save her from being pulled out.
And they said there was pandemonium on board as the plane dropped by 1,000 feet per minute before the pilot regained control of the flight.
Passengers prayed and screamed in horror as ash began to filter through the ventilation system and fill the cabin.
Some filmed what they thought would be their final goodbyes on their phones as oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling.
One witness said Ms Riordan’s injuries left “blood everywhere”.
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Another said a man sprinted up the plane “to grab that lady to pull her back in” before others joined in. They later plugged the window with material found onboard.
A witness said: “She was out of the plane. He couldn't do it by himself, so another gentleman came over and helped to get her back in the plane, and they got her.”
Another witness said: “From her waist above, she was outside of the plane.”
A third said: “Everybody was crying and upset. You had a few passengers that were very strong, and they kept yelling to people 'It's OK! We're going to do this!’
“I just remember holding my husband's hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed.
“And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldn't grow up without parents.”
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Seven other people were injured in the terrifying incident.
Ms Riordan’s family has released a statement in tribute of the “kind, loving, caring and sharing” woman.
They said: “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 though her children.
“We are so appreciate 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 the 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.”
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The mayor of Albuquerque Tim Keller also paid tribute to Ms Riordan, who he hailed as a “thoughtful leader”.
Southwest Airlines said: "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.
"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."