In a harrowing incident, over two dozen passengers were injured aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam after encountering severe turbulence, forcing an emergency landing in Minneapolis. The flight, designated DL56, was in the air for approximately 90 minutes when it struck a turbulent patch.
Witnesses described intense moments as the Airbus A330-900 experienced a sudden drop while flight attendants were serving refreshments. Passenger Joseph Carbone, who was en route to Kenya via Amsterdam, recounted the experience, noting that the turbulence came in three waves, each more severe than the last. “I just saw everything fly through the air,” Carbone recalled, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the turbulence.
According to Carbone, a pilot later indicated the plane had plunged by approximately 1,000 feet, although Delta officials did not confirm this specific figure. After the aircraft landed safely in Minneapolis around 8 p.m. CT, 25 passengers were reported to have sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. While some injuries may have been serious, Delta has not provided specific updates on the injured passengers.
In light of the incident, Delta Airlines is offering accommodations to displaced passengers in Minnesota as they recover from the unsettling experience. Carbone reflected on the critical lesson learned, stressing that in the future, he would remain seated with his seatbelt fastened whenever possible.
“I’m very grateful that we are safe and sound by the grace of God,” Carbone expressed, highlighting his relief amidst the chaos. This situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of safety measures.
This incident raises awareness about the potential dangers of turbulence, which can often be unexpected and severe. Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety protocols, including wearing seatbelts during flights, to better protect themselves during such unpredictable events.