New Delhi, 04 August (H.S.): An Air India flight travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, leaving 12 passengers and crew members injured. The flight, AI-2379, landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, where the injured passengers were provided first aid and later shifted to a medical facility near the airport as a precautionary measure. Seven passengers have been admitted for further treatment at Fortis Flight Lieutenant Rajan Dhall Hospital in Vasant Kunj.

Air India confirmed the incident and said that the aircraft experienced sudden severe turbulence during the cruise phase of the flight, resulting in a temporary change in altitude. However, the aircraft reached Delhi safely and all passengers and crew members were deboarded without further incident.

Following the turbulence, some passengers and crew members sustained injuries. Medical teams at the airport examined all affected individuals and those requiring further care were shifted to medical facilities. Air India stated that the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its highest priority, and all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

The airline has deployed a dedicated coordination team at the hospital to work with the hospital administration regarding patient care, documentation, necessary arrangements, and communication with the families of those injured.

Fortis Flight Lieutenant Rajan Dhall Hospital said that seven injured passengers were admitted to the emergency department. All patients underwent immediate medical evaluation and treatment was initiated upon arrival. After stabilising their initial condition, the hospital activated Code Yellow to ensure coordinated medical management.

The hospital further stated that patients underwent CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays as per medical requirements and are being shifted to wards for further monitoring and treatment. A team of doctors is continuously assessing the health condition of all patients.

The airline's technical team and concerned authorities are investigating the incident. Air India said it is extending full cooperation to all relevant agencies involved in the inquiry.

Speaking to reporters after the incident, passengers described how the aircraft suddenly began experiencing intense jolts during the flight. One passenger claimed that after around one-and-a-half hours of flying, the aircraft continued moving sharply up and down for two to three minutes, causing several passengers to hit their heads against the overhead luggage compartments.

Another passenger said the aircraft suddenly dropped significantly, causing several passengers seated inside to hit their heads against the ceiling. Some passengers said they felt as if the aircraft might overturn, creating panic and chaos inside the cabin.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar