Air Europa flight diverted to Brazil after heavy turbulence leaves 40 passengers injured

Forty people were injured, some seriously, after an Air Europa flight from Spain to Uruguay experienced strong turbulence and was diverted to Brazil, officials said.

Flight UX045 experienced “heavy” turbulence early Monday morning but landed safely at Natal International Airport in São Gonçalo do Amarante, the airline said. The plane requested an emergency landing around 2:32 a.m. local time, according to the airport.

Thirty people received medical care at the airport, while 10 had to be transported to the hospital for further examination, the airport confirmed to ABC News Monday night.

Seven passengers remain hospitalized in serious but not life-threatening condition, Air Europa confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday morning.

Some passengers were hurtled toward the ceiling of the cabin, the airline said.

Passenger videos showed damage to the cabin of the plane and injured passengers in neck braces lying on their backs in the aisle. In one video, a man could be seen dangling from an overhead compartment, though it is unclear how he ended up there.

The flight had departed Madrid-Barajas and was en route to Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay, when the incident occurred, according to the airline. Natal was the closest airport to address the passengers’ medical needs, the airline said.

“Due to the nature of the turbulence and for safety reasons, it was decided to divert the flight to Natal International Airport in Brazil,” the airline said.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was carrying 325 passengers at the time.

Passengers in good condition were transported to Recife, where a plane that departed Madrid arrived early Tuesday to continue their trip to Montevideo, Air Europa said.

The original aircraft is not in use and will be examined, the airline said.

The incident remains under investigation.

A recent incident involving an Air Europa flight being diverted to Brazil after experiencing heavy turbulence has left 40 passengers injured. The flight, which was en route from Madrid to Buenos Aires, encountered severe turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing in Salvador, Brazil.

According to reports, the turbulence was so intense that passengers were thrown from their seats and belongings were scattered throughout the cabin. Several passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as broken bones. Emergency medical personnel were on hand to treat the injured passengers upon landing.

Turbulence is a common occurrence during flights, but severe turbulence can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is caused by changes in air currents and can be unpredictable, making it difficult for pilots to anticipate and avoid. In this case, the pilot made the decision to divert the flight to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers and crew.

Air Europa has issued a statement expressing their regret for the incident and stating that they are working to assist affected passengers with medical care and accommodations. The airline has also launched an investigation into the cause of the turbulence and the handling of the situation.

Passengers who have experienced turbulence may suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the incident. It is important for affected individuals to seek support and counseling to help them cope with any emotional or psychological effects.

In conclusion, the recent incident involving an Air Europa flight being diverted to Brazil after heavy turbulence serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of flying. It is crucial for airlines to prioritize passenger safety and take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of their passengers in such situations.