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A Delta Air Lines flight experienced "serious turbulence," which resulted in 25 passengers being hospitalized and the international flight having to divert domestically, the Associated Press reports.
Delta Flight DL56, which was on an Airbus A330-900 aircraft capable of seating more than 250 people, was on a scheduled route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam before landing in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Wednesday (July 30). Delta confirmed that 25 passengers were taken to hospitals to be evaluated and receive treatment.
"Delta flight DL56 - flying from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam - diverted to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Wednesday after the flight encountered significant turbulence while enroute," Delta Air Lines said in a statement shared on its official website Wednesday. "The aircraft, an Airbus A330-900, landed safely at MSP, and medical personnel met the flight upon arrival to evaluate customers and crew. Twenty-five of those on board were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care. We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved.
"Safety is our No. 1 value at Delta, and our Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs."
One passenger said others who weren't wearing seatbelts were thrown through the cabin.
“They hit the ceiling, and then they fell to the ground,” Leann Clement-Nash told ABC News via the Associated Press. “And the carts also hit the ceiling and fell to the ground and people were injured. It happened several times, so it was really scary.”