A United Airlines flight traveling to Houston, Texas, suffered severe turbulence, prompting an unexpected landing in Waco on Sunday, March 2. As a result of the turbulence, five people were injured and were later transported to a local hospital for treatment.
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Ryan Dirker, coordinator for the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, stated that there were a total of 32 people aboard the plane. This included 29 passengers and three crew members, as reported by the Springfield News-Leader.
FlightAware reported that the plane departed from Springfield, Missouri, at 4:48 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., however, the plane had to land at Waco Regional Aiport after suffering from severe turbulence.
A total of five people were transported to a local hospital in Waco. Their injuries are considered "non-life-threatening," according to Dirker. "The rest of the folks, a great majority of them, are still at the airport trying to figure out next steps," Dirker said at the time.
KXXV reported that a total of three planes, including the United Airlines flight, were diverted to Waco. Two other American Airlines flights heading to Dallas also landed in Waco. Interim Directo of Aviation Michael A. Reisman confirmed that the United Airlines plane will remain in Waco for days. Mechanics will be able to check the plane before it is ready to fly again.
Plane Incident Addressed
SkyWest Airlines, which operated the flight, would issue a statement following the incident. They confirmed that the plane managed to safely land in Waco.
"SkyWest flight 5690, operating as United Express from Springfield, MO to Houston, landed safely at Waco Regional Airport after experiencing turbulence. Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital," the statement reads. "SkyWest and United are making sure the injured customers get the care they need and are working to line up new transportation options for everyone on this flight."
This incident comes a day after a FedEx plane's engine suddenly exploded mid-air, moments after takeoff. A bird strike was the cause of said explosion. Video footage showed the dramatic landing of the plane, with a huge fire engulfing the engine. No one was injured and the plane managed to resume its course later in the day.
