Plane drops suddenly in turbulence over India, 20 hurt

At least 20 people aboard an Emirates airlines flight were injured Sunday when the aircraft encountered heavy turbulence shortly before landing The plan was flying from Dubai to the southern Indian city of Kochi. Plane drops suddenly in turbulence over India, 20 hurt The Boeing aircraft with 350 passengers and 14 crew members encountered a weather cloud and a short period of heavy turbulence prior to its descent, injuring 20 people, it said. The plane safely landed at Kochi and at least one passenger had been admitted to hospital with a shoulder dislocation, PTI news agency reported. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) has ordered an investigation into the incident. "DCGA is carrying out an air safety investigation. The aircraft will leave the country only after it is certified," director general of civil aviation Nazim Zaidi was quoted as saying. Emirates said the aircraft was cruising at 3,500 feet when it experienced a short period of heavy turbulence. It dropped about 200 feet in altitude, but landed safely, the statement said. The turbulence occurred suddenly and many passengers who were not wearing their seat belts suffered injuries, PTI reported. At least seven passengers were treated for scalp, facial, neck and shoulder injuries at the medical facility at Kochi airport. Most of the passengers were discharged after first aid.

Plane drops suddenly in turbulence over India, 20 hurt

The Boeing aircraft with 350 passengers and 14 crew members encountered a weather cloud and a short period of heavy turbulence prior to its descent, injuring 20 people, it said.

The plane safely landed at Kochi and at least one passenger had been admitted to hospital with a shoulder dislocation, PTI news agency reported.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) has ordered an investigation into the incident.

"DCGA is carrying out an air safety investigation. The aircraft will leave the country only after it is certified," director general of civil aviation Nazim Zaidi was quoted as saying.

Emirates said the aircraft was cruising at 3,500 feet when it experienced a short period of heavy turbulence. It dropped about 200 feet in altitude, but landed safely, the statement said.

The turbulence occurred suddenly and many passengers who were not wearing their seat belts suffered injuries, PTI reported.

At least seven passengers were treated for scalp, facial, neck and shoulder injuries at the medical facility at Kochi airport. Most of the passengers were discharged after first aid.