SpiceJet's Mumbai-Durgapur Flight Faces Severe Turbulence, 11 Passengers Hospitalised Due To Injuries

The severe turbulence is said to have been caused by a sudden change in weather conditions during descent which resulted in injuries to passengers onboard.

New Delhi: A SpiceJet Boeing B737 aircraft operating flight SG-945 from Mumbai to Durgapur on Sunday encountered severe turbulence during descent which resulted in injuries to passengers onboard.

In a statement on Monday, SpiceJet informed that 11 passengers on board its flight from Mumbai to Durgapur in West Bengal were hospitalised after being injured in the incident.

Of these, eight have been discharged so far, the airline stated.

SpiceJet Spokesperson informed, "Eleven passengers travelling on SpiceJet flight SG-945 from Mumbai to Durgapur on May 1, which encountered severe turbulence during descent which unfortunately resulted in injuries to a few passengers, were hospitalised. Eight of those hospitalised have been discharged so far. SpiceJet is providing all possible help to the injured."

The airline also mentioned that the seat belt sign was on when the aircraft encountered turbulence and several announcements for the same were also made: "The seat belt sign was on when the aircraft encountered turbulence. Multiple announcements were made by the pilots and the crew instructing passengers to remain seated and keep their seat belts fastened."

Earlier, news agency ANI reported sources as saying that at least 13 passengers on SpiceJet's Mumbai-Durgapur flight sustained serious injuries in the incident of sudden turbulence. 

According to ANI sources, passengers sustained injuries as cabin baggage fell on many of them, leading to head injuries to several flyers.

The flight landed safely at Durgapur airport and the injured passengers were rushed to the hospital.

In initial responses, a sudden unexpected change in weather conditions is said to have caused the turbulence.

"The flight was about to land at Durgapur airport when the aircraft began to hobble as the flight experienced massive turbulence following extreme bad weather. Few passengers were severely injured during this major mid-air turbulence," a passenger identified as Akbar Ansari told ANI.

The matter has been reported to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and an investigation has begun into the incident.