Passengers injured after jet hits severe turbulence
Jul 17, 2014 08:36AM GMT
At least 20 people are reported to have been injured when a South African Airways aircraft to Hong Kong encountered severe turbulence.
Two people were critically injured and immediately taken to hospital on landing.
Witnesses told the South China Morning Post of passengers being thrown out of their seats and hitting the ceiling and overhead lockers after the aircraft encountered what the airline termed "severe turbulence" over Malaysia.
The Airbus A340 left Johannesburg on Tuesday and landed in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The airline said 165 passengers were on board when the turbulence struck over Malaysia.
Local television images showed ambulances on the tarmac at Hong Kong airport taking away the injured after the aircraft landed at around 12:30pm local time.
An SAA spokesman said 17 passengers and three crewmembers were injured, although details of the injuries were not given.
Speaking to local press, the Hong Kong fire department spokesman said 14 ambulances, four fire engines, a mobile casualty treatment centre and a mobile command unit were sent to the scene.
