A Delta Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam was forced to make an emergency landing at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last night after severe turbulence injured 25 passengers. The harrowing incident unfolded just before 8:00 PM, as the aircraft encountered what the airline described as “significant turbulence,” prompting a swift diversion.
First responders were on standby as the plane landed, quickly attending to the injured passengers. Delta confirmed that all 288 individuals on board, including crew members, were affected by the sudden and violent disturbance in the air. While the exact nature of the injuries remains unclear, 25 passengers were taken to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
Historically, turbulence has been a leading cause of non-fatal injuries during flights, accounting for a third of all such incidents. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported that over the last 15 years, serious injuries related to turbulence have affected 207 individuals, with the majority being flight attendants. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of keeping seatbelts fastened, even at cruising altitude.
Delta’s care team is actively working with affected passengers to address their needs as they recover from the unsettling experience. The airline has not yet clarified whether the flight continued to Amsterdam without the injured passengers. As the situation develops, further updates will be provided on the conditions of those hospitalized and the airline’s response to this alarming event. Stay tuned for more breaking news as we learn more about this unsettling incident in the skies.