Turbulence forces flight emergency landing, 16 people taken to hospital
A United Airlines flight bound for London has been forced to make an emergency landing in Ireland after 16 people were injured during "unexpected turbulence".
The flight left Houston, Texas at 3.15pm local time on Tuesday but hit the "severe" turbulence on the transatlantic journey.
Fourteen passengers and two crew members were met on the runway and taken to University Hospital in Limerick for treatment.
A condition report on those injured has not yet been released.
RELATED:
Passengers sent flying from seats during turbulence
The decision was made to divert the Boeing 767 to Shannon Airport in the Republic of Ireland, rather than head on to Heathrow, where it was scheduled to land on Wednesday at 6.55am.
"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel," United Airlines issued in a statement.
"United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880."
Flight UA880 had 207 passengers on board and 13 crew members.
