Turbulence strikes Air Canada, injures 21

Air Canada flight AC088 en route to Toronto from Shanghai was hit by turbulence and was diverted from its way on Wednesday. The incident caused injuries to 21 passengers on board including three children.

The flight had to make an emergency landing in Calgary at 5:23 pm ET (8:23 am Thursday AEST) where the injured passengers were taken to area hospitals. Air Canada said that out of its 21 injured on-board passengers, eight were taken to the hospital because of their wounds while 13 were admitted for routine observation.

Approximately 15 ambulances reached the scene as Calgary Zone Emergency Medical Services took immediate action. Injured passengers were taken on stretchers and wheelchairs. However, the EMS officials confirmed that no injury seemed life threatening.

“It’s fortunate we don’t have greater injuries,” Calgary Zone EMS Public Education Officer Stuart Brideaux told reporters. He added there were three children among the injured. Seven adults incurred severe injuries in neck and back portions.

Air Canada claimed that an investigation is under progress, and teams have been assigned to help passengers affected by the sudden diversion of the flight. The Boeing 777-300 ER flight had 332 passengers in it along with 19 crew members, Air Canada disclosed.

Passengers reacted to the event and shared their experiences. Gold Murray told CNN that the accident could have been worse. He added that it was a scary experience, but he remains thankful for the trained crew members who handled the situation well.

Another passenger, Bing Feng, shared his feelings while on the flight. She said she was thinking only about her parents and siblings.

“When you are in the situation, of course (you fear the worst). You saw all the oxygen masks drop,” CBC News quoted her as saying.

TSB spokesperson Julie Leroux said that the Transportation Safety Board has been alerted of the incident. The board will assign an investigator to look into the matter closely.