17 injured as SpiceJet flight encounters serious turbulence while landing in West Bengal
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New Delhi: At least fourteen passengers and three cabin crew members were injured on Sunday when a SpiceJet Mumbai-Durgapur flight encountered severe turbulence during descent at the destination, PTI reported.
The Boeing 737 (VT-SLH) was operating as SG-945 when it ran itself into major mid-air turbulence following extreme bad weather.
The aircraft was about to land at Andal airport when it began to hobble and cabin baggage fell on top of passengers as the flight experienced massive turbulence.
However, the flight landed safely at Durgapur airport in West Bengal and the injured were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday morning said it has ordered a regulatory investigation into the turbulence incident.
Some of the passengers sustained head injuries and received stitches, while one passenger said he suffered a spinal injury in the mishap, the DGCA said, adding that three cabin crew members were also injured.
"The 12 severely injured passengers were taken to hospital after they were given medical assistance on arrival," said senior aviation officials.
"We are deputing teams for regulatory investigation, while medical reports of the injured passengers are awaited," it added.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet has expressed regret over the incident.
"On May 1, SpiceJet Boeing B737 aircraft operating flight SG-945 from Mumbai to Durgapur encountered severe turbulence during descent which unfortunately resulted in injuries to a few passengers. Immediate medical assistance was provided upon the aircraft's arrival in Durgapur," the SpiceJet spokesperson said.
