News Digest

16 hurt as turbulence forces passenger plane to make emergency landing

A flight from the U.S. to London was forced to make an emergency landing in Ireland after 16 people were injured when it ran into violent turbulence. United Airlines flight UA-880 was diverted mid-flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland on Wednesday morning. After the Boeing 767-300 jet landed, 14 passengers and two crew members were taken to University Limerick Hospital with minor injuries. In a statement, United Airlines said the aircraft “experienced severe and unexpected turbulence” on its flight from Houston in Texas to Heathrow.

We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries

United Airlines statement

The plane had 207 passengers and 13 crew members on board. Three children were among those reported to have been hurt. Most of the injured suffered cuts, bruising and minor head injuries and were discharged after treatment. The worst affected were said to be those not wearing seat belts. Passenger Leslie Chi, from Nottingham, posted on Facebook saying: “Really felt I might die but fine now, just so tired.”