Delta Flight Experiences Turbulence, 25 Injured, Diverts to Minneapolis

Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced serious turbulence, injuring at least 25 passengers. The flight was diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where passengers were taken to hospitals for evaluation and treatment. The incident highlights the rare but increasing risk of serious injuries from in-flight turbulence, which may be linked to climate change altering the jet stream.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport witnessed an emergency landing on Wednesday after a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced significant turbulence. The Airbus A330-900, carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members, was forced to divert to Minneapolis due to severe injuries sustained by at least 25 passengers [1].

The incident, which occurred around 19:45 local time (01:45 BST), highlights the increasing risk of in-flight turbulence. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there have been 207 severe injuries caused by turbulence since 2009 in the US alone [1]. This represents a small fraction of the 5,000 incidents of severe or greater turbulence reported annually out of over 35 million global flights [1].

Delta Air Lines stated that medical personnel evaluated the passengers and crew upon arrival, with 25 passengers transported to local hospitals for further care. The airline is working with customers to support their immediate needs [1]. The Minneapolis Fire Department and EMS responded to the gate, providing initial medical attention to passengers in need [2].

The incident underscores the potential for severe turbulence to cause significant injuries. Turbulence is defined as when the up and down movements of a plane going through disturbed air exert more than 1.5g-force on your body, enough to lift you out of your seat if you weren't wearing a seatbelt [1]. This incident follows a similar incident in March where five passengers suffered minor injuries after a United flight experienced turbulence and made an emergency landing in Waco, Texas [3].

The increasing frequency of severe turbulence incidents may be linked to climate change altering the jet stream. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, the risk of encountering severe turbulence increases, posing a significant challenge for the aviation industry. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced safety measures and passenger awareness regarding the potential risks of in-flight turbulence.

References:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxy9rrj5keo
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minneapolis-airport-flight-emergency-landing-turbulence-injuries/
[3] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/turbulence-forces-diversion-delta-flight-sends-25-hospital-rcna222146