Because a big piece of ice from one of JetBlue’s flights broke through the ceiling directly over their bed, a California couple is suing the airline for $1 million.
On January 1, 2024, Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini were in bed when a “large block of ice” broke through the roof, according to court records.
The couple “barely (escaped) devastating physical injury,” according to the lawsuit, and the chunk of ice was “the size of a watermelon.” The house was visited by the fire department and police.
According to the lawsuit, the Federal Aviation Administration’s inquiry revealed that the aircraft had a history of problems with drinkable water dating back to July 2023.
The same aircraft was also accused of dropping ice on a house in Massachusetts in August of the same year.
According to the lawsuit, JetBlue neglected to “investigate and correct the problems” that contributed to the falling ice cubes and water concerns.
According to the lawsuit, the plane was flagged on January 11, 2024, ten days after the ice hit the plaintiff’s house, so that its drain and potable water system valve could be taken out and examined.
The lawsuit claims that the aircraft was taken out of service for repairs in February 2024.
“JetBlue had been on notice for months prior to January 1, 2024, yet failed to conduct an investigation as to the problems with the potable water system valve and drain,” according to the lawsuit. “Had JetBlue done so after being on notice that there was a problem as early as July 2023, the discharge of the large block of ice on Plaintiffs’ home would not have occurred.”
JetBlue stated that “safety is our number one priority and guides everything we do,” but they were unable to comment on the complaint due to ongoing litigation.
The lawsuit claims that the couple “suffered severe emotional distress” as a result of the ice chunk causing “extensive damage” to the roof. They also claim that the couple’s insomnia prompted Reese, a commercial driver, to decline work.
The two indicated that as a result of the incident, they have both gone to therapy. According to the lawsuit, both plaintiffs have grown “anxious and depressed” and live in continual worry that their house would be hit once more.
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According to the lawsuit, they now “cringe in fear with each plane” that goes overhead, and planes fly over the house every five minutes. The couple is thinking of moving, despite the fact that they call their existing house “their dream home.”
According to the lawsuit, the couple is suing JetBlue for trespassing and carelessness.
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“JetBlue knew or should have known that there had been (a) prior instance of ice falling from the aircraft at issue … and that a thorough inspection and investigation of the potable water servicing system would have discovered a defect in the valve which was causing a leak and the ice dropping from the aircraft at issue,” as per the lawsuit.
Regarding the charges, the couple is requesting a jury trial. According to court filings, Ferrarini and Reese are requesting $300,000 for mental distress, $40,000 for medical costs, $360,000 for property losses, and $300,000 for pain, suffering, and inconvenience.
