New Delhi: Fifteen people, including 11 passengers and four crew members, were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, officials said.
Flight AI2379, carrying 134 passengers and eight crew members, reportedly experienced sudden turbulence and dropped around 300 feet while en route to Delhi. The pilots regained control of the aircraft and landed it safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 11:30 am.
A Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official told PTI that 15 people sustained injuries in the incident. Some of the injured were treated at the airport’s medical centre, while seven passengers were admitted to Fortis Hospital for further treatment.
Earlier, Air India had said that all passengers and crew members were safe and that no serious injuries had been reported.
A passenger on board claimed the turbulence began about 90 minutes after take-off, when most passengers were asleep. According to the passenger, the aircraft shook violently and continued to experience severe jolts for nearly two to three minutes.
The passenger also alleged that while some people suffered significant injuries, around 70 to 80 per cent of those on board sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Photographs circulating after the flight showed cracks in the aircraft’s ceiling panels, indicating the impact of the severe turbulence.
The DGCA has launched an investigation into the incident.
