Flight from S.F. to Hong Kong hits severe turbulence; several injured
At least nine people were injured after a Cathay Pacific flight en route from San Francisco hit severe turbulence over Japan that threw people around the plane for several minutes, various media outlets reported.
Flight CX879 was headed to Hong Kong when it hit unexpected turbulence, injuring two cabin crew members and a number of passengers, according to a statement on Cathay Pacific’s Facebook page.
“Medical assistance was provided for the injured passengers and cabin crew immediately upon arrival and Cathay Pacific is providing assistance to the affected passengers and staff,” the statement said.
The airline told CNN and the Associated Press that six injured passengers required “further examination and treatment at hospitals while one passenger with minor injuries was released.” Bay Area station KPIX-TV reported that the Boeing 747 was carrying 321 passengers and a crew of 21.
Passenger Vincent Sunder told KTVU-TV in Oakland that the plane began shaking while dinner was being served. He said luggage fell out of bins and trays flew across the cabin.
“A few people flew up and actually hit the ceiling,” he said.
TV news video showed at least one person being taken away on a stretcher after the plane landed.
Twitter: @MattStevensLAT
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