Severe United Airlines Turbulence Injures 30
While flying over Kansas on Tuesday, a United Airlines flight hit severe turbulence, during which 30 people were injured. The service was en route to Los Angeles from Washington. One female passenger was thrown from her seat so hard that she left a crack in the ceiling of the cabin where she hit her head. Many others were thrown up against the ceiling and cabin walls as well.
There were 10 crew members and 255 passengers on Flight 967, which luckily recovered from the sudden drop to prevent further injuries. After the incident, the pilot and crew decided to divert the flight to Denver International Airport so that the injured could receive medical attention. The plane safely landed at the airport, and medical crews met them to help the wounded.
A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman confirmed that at least 26 crew members and passengers were injured during the turbulence. One of the passengers was critically hurt, but he didn’t give any further details. An official for United Airlines said that the seatbelt sign was on when the incident happened, but not all the passengers were strapped in.
Many of the witnesses have recounted the experience. Alexander Walan said that she saw a couple people hit the ceiling - one she saw slam back down. She had her seatbelt on, she added. Kaoma Bechaz says that many passengers began to react shortly after being stunned by the incident. She sort of panicked and heard a lot of yelling. The lady next to her grabbed her hand and told her that they were okay, she added, noting that everyone calmed down when they felt the plane moving again.
Find Cheap Flights!