Severe turbulence on Delta flight from Milan to Atlanta hospitalizes 11 passengers

A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) encountered intense turbulence, resulting in the hospitalization of 11 passengers. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, but some individuals required transportation on stretchers after the Airbus A350, carrying 151 passengers and 14 crew members, experienced severe turbulence.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the turbulence occurred when the flight was approximately 40 miles northeast of Atlanta. Despite the challenging conditions, the aircraft managed to land safely in Atlanta just before 19:00. First responders were present to assist injured passengers upon arrival.

Delta Airlines confirmed that both passengers and crew members sustained injuries but did not provide specific details regarding the severity of the injuries. Customs and Border Protection officials facilitated the processing and clearance of those hospitalized.

One passenger, Ayo Suber, shared her harrowing experience with CNN. She described the first ten hours of the flight as normal before turbulence suddenly struck as the plane approached Atlanta. Suber recalled the aircraft dropping abruptly and the distressing moment when she thought they were crashing. She also mentioned a woman in the middle aisle who was thrown from her seat, hitting her head on the overhead storage bins.

The flight crew promptly informed passengers that first responders would be waiting upon arrival. Footage from the incident showed that some passengers needed to be transported on stretchers, while others were seen wearing neck braces.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the turbulence incident. The probe will examine various factors, including flight data, weather conditions, and the crew’s response. The NTSB anticipates releasing a preliminary report on the incident within 2-3 weeks.

This turbulence incident adds to a series of recent occurrences, including a British Airways flight that returned to Singapore due to injuries sustained by five crew members and Hawaiian Airlines passengers experiencing severe turbulence resulting in over 35 injuries, many of which were serious, leading to a lawsuit against the airline. Turbulence remains a significant concern for aviation safety, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety protocols during flights.