A California couple, Michael Reese and Leah Ferrarini, are suing JetBlue for $1 million after a chunk of ice allegedly fell from one of the airline's aircraft and crashed through their ceiling. The incident, described in their lawsuit, occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on January 1, 2024, as they were at home in Inglewood, California, when a piece of ice, reportedly the size of a watermelon, penetrated their roof, landing directly above their bed. This alarming accident barely spared the couple from "devastating physical injury," according to court documents reviewed by CBS News.

The plaintiffs have expressed that the incident has left them living in constant fear, with planes passing overhead approximately every five minutes, as they "cringe in fear" with each flight. They claim the emotional distress from the experience, which includes insomnia and anxiety, has been overwhelming, forcing them to consider relocating from what they once called their "dream home." The lawsuit demands $300,000 for emotional distress, $300,000 for pain and suffering, $40,000 for medical expenses, and $360,000 for property damage caused by the ice block invasion, totaling approximately $1 million.

According to the couple's claims, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found that the aircraft involved had a history of issues with its potable water system that dated back six months before the incident. The same ABC News report highlights an earlier incident in August 2023 where the same JetBlue Airbus A321 was implicated in dropping ice on a Massachusetts home, raising further concerns about the airline's maintenance practices.

JetBlue has responded to the lawsuit by denying liability for the incident, asserting that its operations complied with all applicable regulations and industry standards. The airline aims to have the plaintiffs cover their legal costs as part of their defense. While the airline did not immediately provide further comments, this case underscores a growing concern regarding potential hazards associated with aviation operations and the safety regulations governing them.

As the lawsuit unfolds, Reese and Ferrarini not only seek compensation but also hope to bring attention to the necessary safety measures airlines should prioritize to prevent such alarming occurrences in the future.