Ryanair passengers 'thrown against the ceiling' as huge turbulence leaves nine injured and crew in tears

Passengers reported being thrown from their seats into the cabin ceiling as the aircraft was violently buffeted.

One terrified traveller told German outlet BILD: "I've never been scared before, but at that moment, I thought the plane was going to break apart or roll over!"

Emergency services met the aircraft after the captain requested medical assistance ahead of landing.

Three passengers were hospitalised following the incident, including a two-year-old child who suffered bruising, a woman who sustained a head laceration, and another passenger with back pain.

Six other people were treated for injuries at the scene, according to police. Among those hurt was a crew member. The severe turbulence struck whilst several passengers were out of their seats, with reports that a mother and baby were in the toilet when the aircraft was shaken.

A Ryanair spokesman said: "FR8 from Berlin to Milan on June 4 diverted to Memmingen after experiencing some air turbulence. The captain called ahead for medical assistance and the aircraft landed normally.

"To get passengers to their final destination as quickly as possible, we arranged for alternative transport from Memmingen to Milan that night, as well as a replacement flight this morning."

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Some passengers claimed they were not given sufficient warning to fasten their safety belts, according to BILD.

Medical personnel and emergency responders boarded the aircraft after landing, with photographs showing them treating passengers both on board and in the airport waiting room.

Passengers described chaotic scenes during the ordeal, with one telling authorities the flight was "chaotic and dangerous".

Those on board were reportedly kept on the aircraft for several hours after landing, leaving shaken travellers "irritable" and "agitated".

The aircraft encountered what experts identified as a "supercell", a highly dangerous rotating thunderstorm that can span up to 30 miles across with tornado-like winds inside.

Analysis of Flightradar24 data revealed an abrupt course change towards Memmingen during the flight.

Ryanair arranged bus transfers to complete the journey to Milan after local aviation authorities did not immediately clear onward flights. The airline apologised to affected passengers in a statement.

The incident occurred as severe weather battered southern Germany, with the German weather service having issued storm warnings for threats of hail and storm gusts.

In nearby Ulm, a tornado tore roofs off houses across multiple streets.

The turbulence adds to a series of recent incidents affecting air travel.

Last month, terrified passengers screamed as severe turbulence, hail and a bird strike hit a flight over India bound for Srinagar from New Delhi.