(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Fourteen passengers aboard United flight 1031 from Panama City to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport were injured following severe turbulence that last 20 minutes. One woman was even slammed into the ceiling as a result.
The plane struck turbulence mid-way through the flight, while flying 80 miles east of Cancun, Mexico around 1:40 P.M. Tuesday – on the outskirts of Tropical Storm Cindy.
Carlos Padron and his daughter Isa were two of the passengers on the flight. Carlos was left with a scab on his head after hitting it during the turbulence.
“Many people were crying,” he told ABC 13.
“Many people, they jumped to the ceiling of the plane,” Isa added.
The plane still managed to land without any further incident after the turbulence. Paramedics were on the ground to assist with the 14 injured passengers. Seven were taken to the hospital as a result of their injuries.
Among the injured were teens, grandparents and a crew member.
Authorities say some of the passengers were taken to the hospital for anxiety, chest pain and shortness of breath, but most simply had minor bumps, bruises and neck pain. There was no word on their conditions. Later, United released a statement saying their thoughts and concerns are with the injured.
“United flight 1031 experienced turbulence while en route from Panama City, Panama to Houston. Paramedics met the aircraft to provide medical care and initial reports are that nine customers and one crew member were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Our thoughts and concerns are with those who were injured and our team is reaching out directly to our customers to provide further care and support,” the statement reads.
The Federal Aviation Administration also released a statement about the incident.
“United flight 1031 experienced turbulence while en route from Panama City, Panama to Houston. Paramedics met the aircraft to provide medical care and initial reports are that nine customers and one crew member were transported to the hospital for evaluation. Our thoughts and concerns are with those who were injured and our team is reaching out directly to our customers to provide further care and support,” the statement reads.
