Major air disturbances left seven passengers injured on board a United Airlines plane Wednesday, officials reported. Global News.
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The Boeing 737-900 was en route from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago, United States. “A brief period of intense turbulence” disrupted the journey for those on board, according to a statement issued by United Airlines.
One person was hospitalized and six others suffered minor injuries. No further details were released, according to the Memphis Fire Department.
The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Memphis, Tennessee. There were about 172 passengers on board, in addition to the seven crew members.
According to flight tracking data, the plane encountered turbulence over Louisiana.
The plane took off for Chicago nearly two hours later.
“We are grateful to our team for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers,” the American company said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to better understand the cause of the incident.