A United Airlines Boeing 767-300 flying from Houston to Heathrow was diverted to Shannon Airport, Ireland after 23 people were hurt by severe turbulence.
It landed in Ireland at around 6am and 12 people including three children and two crew were taken to taken to University Hospital in Limerick. More were treated in the airport terminal.
The victims are said to have suffered lacerations, bruising and minor head injuries. A member of the crew may have a fractured wrist.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said it would be investigating the incident.
Nottingham student Leslie Chi told friends on Facebook that she 'really thought I might die' as the plane was rocked at 30,000ft.
Ambulances and other emergency services were waiting on the runway for the plane as it landed this morning.
United Airlines said in a statement: 'United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today.
'The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel.
'14 customers and two flight attendants have been taken to a local hospital.
'We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries'.
University Hospital Limerick said it was prepared for an emergency after a call from the plane.
A spokesman said: 'Staff at UHL were notified at approximately 5.30am of an incident aboard a transatlantic flight and that a medical diversion was being made to Shannon Airport with a possible 23 casualties.'
'The Clinical Decision Unit and paediatric area within the ED (Emergency Department) were cleared in anticipation of patients being brought from the airport.'
'When the aircraft landed, initial assessment was carried out by the National Ambulance Service and airport first responders. A total of 12 people were transported to hospital, nine adults and three children. Two of the 12 were crew members.'
The flight left Houston, Texas on Tuesday night and was due to land in London Heathrow shortly after 6am.
However, about 500km out from Shannon, the pilot alerted air traffic control that he was diverting to the airport.
No comments:
Post a Comment