Air India turbulence lasted ‘four to five minutes’; some passengers still in hospital

Some passengers still in hospital

NEW DELHI: Air India’s recent severe turbulence incident is now under a “thorough investigation” by the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Wednesday.Naidu said the Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi experienced severe turbulence for “four to five minutes”, leaving several passengers injured and some crew members with spinal and neck injuries.At least 17 people, including four cabin crew members, were injured after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude during the midair turbulence.Addressing the media, Naidu said the aircraft was secured immediately after landing and all crucial evidence has been taken into the regulator’s custody.”In terms of why the incident has happened, we have immediately alerted the DGCA to thoroughly investigate the situation. The moment the plane was landed, it was put in a separate hangar. The data recorder, the voice recorder, everything is in the possession of DGCA. They will thoroughly investigate how and why this incident happened. Only when we have the facts in front of us, we are going to make it public,” he said.The minister said medical teams attended to passengers and crew immediately after the flight landed in Delhi. “The moment the flight landed in Delhi, the medical assistance team immediately attended to them. All first aid and medical assistance that needed to be provided was done at the airport itself. There were some passengers and crew members who were observed to need more medical assistance, they were shifted to Medanta Hospital and also Fortis Hospital,” Naidu added.He said seven passengers admitted to Medanta Hospital on Monday were discharged after undergoing medical examinations.”Spinal Injuries Centre, Fortis Centre – two passsengers were admitted yesterday. They both were also discharged but four crew members were admitted in Fortis where I also personally visited along with Ministry Team and DGCA Team. We interacted with crew members also. They have been very brave, even after that incident happened for 5 minutes and they were prone to certain injuries, the plane had to travel for 1 more hour. Even through that hour, the crew members provided all the assistance that was required. So, it was very brave of the women, the crew members who were on the flight,” he said.The Airbus A320neo, operating as flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on Tuesday, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. Following the turbulence, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals for medical evaluation.

According to Air India, as of 6:50 pm, five passengers had been discharged, while the remaining injured continued to receive treatment and care.An Air India spokesperson said on Tuesday, “Earlier today, Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise. After the momentary event, the aircraft continued normally and landed safely in Delhi at 11:07 hrs IST.”The DGCA is now investigating the incident to determine the cause of the severe midair turbulence.