Travelers endured a harrowing experience aboard a domestic flight as heavy turbulence caused unexpected chaos in the cabin. Witness accounts describe alarming incidents that left many injured as strong air pockets buffeted the aircraft.
The havoc began when the plane hit pockets of choppy air, forcing it to rise and fall violently. As passengers braced for the bumps, one man who had been stowed in an overhead compartment lost his footing and tumbled out. His unsecured position in the bin led to a fall into the narrow aisle below, witnessed by horrified fellow travelers.
With no seat or seatbelt, the passenger had nowhere to hold on as the plane shook. Those sitting in nearby rows were helpless to assist as the turbulence struck without warning. The chaos only multiplied from there as other luggage and belongings also shifted during the turbulent episode.
By the time the aircraft stabilized, around 40 people were left with varying injuries. Some suffered cuts and bruises while others sustained broken bones or more serious wounds requiring medical attention once the flight landed. Crew members swiftly requested ambulance support to be on standby upon arrival considering the scale of the incident.
Aviation authorities have since launched an investigation to understand how safety protocols were compromised, allowing a person to secretly board in the overhead compartment unbeknownst to crew. Questions also linger over whether turbulence was forecast or could have been avoided by diverting or delaying the flight. Passengers are unlikely to forget their harrowing experience anytime soon.
