United passengers left terrified and injured after turbulence on US flight
(United Airlines Boeing 737 jets in Houston.AP)
Nine passengers and one member of the crew was injured by turbulence on board a United Airlines flight on Tuesday.
United Flight 1031 was en route from Panama City, Panama to Houston, Texas, when the Boeing 737-800 experienced severe turbulence 80 miles east of Cancun, Mexico, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson told Reuters.
According to ABC News, the incident occurred as the plane was flying on the edge of a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
"Many people were crying," passenger Carlos Padron told ABC News. "They were scared," another passenger chimed in during Padron's interview.
The aircraft landed in Houston, Texas just before 1:40 pm local time where it was met by paramedics. Distressed passengers were evacuated from the plane using stretchers and wheelchairs.
The injured were transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Fortunately, rescue crews told ABC News that all of the injuries were minor.
In a statement to Business Insider, United Airlines wrote:
"United flight 1031 experienced turbulence while en route from Panama City, Panama to Houston. Paramedics met the aircraft to provide medical care and initial reports are that nine customers and one crew member were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Our thoughts and concerns are with those who were injured and our team is reaching out directly to our customers to provide further care and support."
More From Business Insider
