New Delhi, August 5: Air India Flight AI2379, traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi, experienced severe turbulence during its flight on Tuesday. This sudden turbulence caused a temporary change in altitude, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely at New Delhi Airport, and all passengers were evacuated without further incident.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the flight faced turbulence for a brief period, leading to fluctuations in altitude. Following the incident, injured individuals were promptly transported to Fortis Hospital for treatment.
Dr. Ujjwal Vaid, head of emergency services at Fortis Hospital, stated, “A total of seven patients were brought to the hospital. Three have been discharged after receiving initial treatment. The remaining four crew members are still hospitalized. One crew member has a fractured spine, while another is suspected to have an injury, and a third is believed to have sustained a pelvic injury.”
Dr. Vaid further explained, “Among those discharged are two women aged approximately 30 and 20, and a male patient around 35 years old. The four hospitalized crew members are all women, aged between 25 and 30 years.”
He added, “While the flight was airborne, there was a sudden drop in pressure, causing a vertical jolt. Such jolts can pose a risk of injury. Thankfully, none of the patients sustained severe injuries. We received a call from the airport around 12:45 PM indicating that several patients with suspected spinal injuries were on their way. Initially, the severity and cause of the injuries were unclear, but we anticipated 5 to 8 patients. Consequently, the hospital’s emergency response team was activated immediately.”
Dr. Vaid emphasized that regular mock drills are conducted at Fortis to prepare for any emergencies or disasters, ensuring the team is ready to respond swiftly.
Air India also released a statement confirming the incident. The airline noted that some passengers experienced discomfort due to the turbulence, but all received necessary medical assistance after landing.
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