Passengers screamed and reached overhead as loose ceiling panels sagged into the cabin of a Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 during a frightening flight emergency in Iran.

The jet had departed Mashhad for Kermanshah before the crew turned back following a reported technical problem. Footage circulating from the incident shows passengers gripping seatbacks while sections of the cabin lining hang above them.

It is an awful scene to watch: people were attempting to keep pieces of the ceiling from falling onto their heads.

On September 15, the aircraft experienced a landing-gear tire issue shortly after takeoff, prompting the crew to return to Mashhad instead of continuing its flight. Local authorities in Razavi Khorasan province confirmed sections of the cabin lining fell during the return journey, with passengers shouting as coverings detached and exposed areas behind them.

Despite the alarming situation, no injuries were reported. All passengers disembarked safely and were transferred to another flight bound for Kermanshah.

The incident also temporarily closed a runway at Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport before it reopened later that day.

A video recording captures the extent of ceiling lining shift, with pieces falling onto seats and passengers. However, the exact cause remains under investigation: reports indicate part of the tire tread separated during takeoff, but airport officials dispute descriptions of a tire explosion while the crew reported an engine issue after departure. The aircraft landed safely at Mashhad’s airport without casualties.