Nine people were injured after a KLM Boeing 747-400 hit severe turbulence approaching Hong Kong on Sunday morning.
Eight of the injured — six passengers and two crew members — were hospitalised with minor injuries after people were thrown against the cabin ceiling during the turbulence on a flight from Amsterdam. A ninth person declined hospital treatment.
Flight KL-887 landed safely about 10am Hong Kong time and was met by emergency services and medical staff.
Passengers told The South China Morning Post there were screams and panic on board with people and objects flung to the cabin ceiling as the aircraft encountered violent turbulence before it began its approach. They said the seat belt signs were not activated.
“It felt like we were in free fall,” one passenger told the newspaper.
“The man next to me did not have his seat belt fastened. He hit the ceiling … the seat belt sign was not on at the time and so some people were also in the toilet.”
The Aviation Herald website reported the aircraft was enroute at 29,100ft (8900m) about 30 to 40 minutes prior to landing when it encountered turbulence lasting several seconds.
“About 15 minutes later, already descending towards Hong Kong, the crew advised ATC of injuries on board and requested emergency services and medical staff to meet the aircraft upon arrival,’’ the website said ‘’The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Hong Kong’s runway 23R about 30-40 minutes later.’’
The jet was delayed more than four hours before departing on the return flight.
