22 people injured as United Boeing 787 Dreamliner hit by ‘extreme turbulence’ and forced to make emergency landing
Seven people – of 312 passengers – were rushed to hospital upon the plane’s arrival while another 15 were treated on site for injuries sustained during the flight, according to New Windsor EMS.
The aircraft reportedly hit “high winds” while on approach to Newark Liberty International Airport and had to abort landing at the airport.
The flight, from Tel Aviv, was diverted north to the New York Stewart International Airport.
People onboard the flight were said to have complained of nausea and chest pains due to the turbulence.
United Airlines confirmed the incident late on Friday, telling aviation news outlet Simple Flying: “On Friday, United flight 85 landed at Stewart International Airport (SWF) after reported high winds at Newark.
“One passenger deplaned due to a medical incident, and a few other customers were seen by medical personnel for possible motion sickness.
“The flight refueled and continued to Newark tonight.”
New Windsor EMS said the United flight was making an approach to Newark from Tel Aviv when high winds struck about 6.30pm, reports News 12 Westchester.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane’s crew reported a passenger emergency, which prompted the diversion.
It confirmed it will investigate what happened.
The incident comes after another United aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday.
Reported engine issues on a flight from San Francisco to Paris were said to have been the reason for a diversion to Denver.