7 Injured After United 737-900 Hits Severe Turbulence Over Louisiana

A United Airlines flight was diverted after many people were injured after an event of turbulence over Louisiana. At least one person had to be taken to the E.R. for their injuries.

Chaos From Cancun

On Wednesday, August 28, United Airlines flight 1196 was traveling from Cancun, Mexico en route to Chicago, Illinois when "severe turbulence" abruptly caused injuries to at least seven people inside the cabin. A United Airlines spokesperson assured ABC News that the seatbelt sign was on at the time.

Because of one passenger suffered major injuries, the flight diverted to Memphis International Airport in Tennessee after 2:30 p.m. CT. According to United, the person was helped by paramedics and then transported to a local hospital. The Memphis Fire Department added the individual's injuries weren't life-threatening. The six other individuals with reported minor injuries refused medical treatment.

Following the diversion, United Airlines commented on the work the crew did to take care of those affected by the turbulence:

“We're grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers and we expect the flight to depart for Chicago soon.”

"Almost Hit The Ceiling"

The Boeing 737-900 then made it back to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where passengers described the events of the flight to the media. A female passenger told NBC News after the flight, "I wasn't sure if we were going down, honestly".

A male passenger followed up her comments with a detailed recollection of the flight:
“We started hitting turbulence and then we literally hit the worst air pockets there [were]...The flight attendant almost hit the ceiling. We have stains on our clothes from food going everywhere. The ceiling is covered with food. It was one of the most traumatic things to be on a flight for.”

179 people were reportedly on board the flight, including 172 passengers and seven crew members.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading an investigation into the incident.

Back in May, a Singapore Airlines flight left one dead and 85 injured. Clear-air turbulence occurs when a plane experiences a sudden drop and climb due to a gust of air hitting the aircraft. According to former Marine Corps fighter pilot Col. Stephen Ganyard, this kind of turbulence can't be foreseen by pilots or airlines.

Mid-flight turbulence always poses an inconvenience for air travelers. In some cases, passengers can take action against airlines over turbulence if it's caused by preventable actions, such is the case with an American Airlines pilot reportedly causing a rough landing that left a passenger with debilitating injuries.

Fortunately, worse didn't occur on Wednesday. A scenario like this, however, makes it unlikely for United Airlines to be held liable. Since it was reported that the United flight had seatbelt signs on when the turbulence occurred, there weren't any indications of negligence. If you have travel insurance, however, and you suffer an injury due to any cause of turbulence, your provider will pay some of your medical costs. 

Feel free to share your opinions on this United flight in the comment section below!