Video has emerged of American Airlines passengers enduring a roller-coaster ride that left 10 hospitalised after their aircraft hit severe turbulence during a flight from Athen to Philadelphia Saturday.
The American Airlines Airbus A330 operating flight 759 hit the turbulence about 35 minutes out of Philadelphia but went on to land safely with 299 passengers and crew.
American said the seatbelt sign was on at the time.
“Three passengers and seven crew members were transported to a local hospital for evaluation,’’ the airline said in a statement. “We are taking care of our passengers and our crew members at this time and want to thank our team members for keeping our passengers safe.”
The video shows passengers screaming as the plane bucks due to the turbulence.
Photographs posted on social media showed debris strewn throughout the cabin and the remains of drinks splashed over the ceiling.
“They were giving us our drinks,” passenger Ian Smith told TV station WPVI. “The flight attendants were in the last couple rows when they said ‘fasten your seat belts.’
“And then they said for the flight attendants to get to their seats, and they didn’t even have time. It started shaking, then it took a big drop. Babies screaming, people in front of us hitting the ceiling,”
Passenger Ervin fang tweeted: “Turbulence mess! Flight attendants tossed. I provided medical help (shoulder relocation mid-air).’’
Another passenger said there was coffee inside the cabin lights.
