Korean Air Flight Encounters Severe Turbulence, 14 Injured
A Korean Air flight bound for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, experienced severe turbulence on Sunday, August 4, leaving 14 people injured. The incident occurred an hour after takeoff from Incheon Airport, when the plane was flying at an altitude of 34,100 feet near China’s Tianjin Airport.
The turbulence, which lasted for around 15 seconds, was accompanied by lightning and thunder in the area. The plane shook violently, causing in-flight meals to be thrown onto the floor and passengers to scream in panic. One passenger described the scene as “chaotic,” with people without seatbelts on being thrown into the air, including one person who hit the ceiling and fell to the aisle.
Out of the 281 passengers on board, 10 passengers and four flight attendants reported back and neck pain, but none were seriously injured. The airline provided anti-inflammatory painkillers to passengers on the flight, and a medical team was waiting at Ulaanbaatar to treat the injured passengers upon arrival.
The plane was undamaged and made a return trip, with the in-flight meal service halted and passengers advised to remain in their seats and fasten their seatbelts. All passengers were able to go through immigration without any issues.
Takeaway:
Turbulence can occur unexpectedly, and it’s essential for passengers to follow safety instructions and keep their seatbelts fastened at all times. Airlines and aviation authorities take incidents like this seriously and will investigate to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Actionable Steps:
- Always follow safety instructions and keep your seatbelt fastened during flight.
- Be prepared for turbulence by keeping your seatback upright and electronic devices stowed.
- If you experience any discomfort or pain during or after a flight, report it to the airline staff or seek medical attention.
Conclusion:
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and passenger awareness during flights. Korean Air’s prompt response and provision of medical assistance ensured the well-being of passengers, and the incident will likely lead to further improvements in aviation safety.