On Sunday, a trip from Phoenix to Honolulu was severely impacted by turbulence, resulting in 11 significant injuries. A representative from Hawaiian Airlines described the incident as a unique and exceptional occurrence.
Mass Casualty After Turbulence
During a press release, Jon Snook, the airline’s chief operating officer stated the enterprise has not had an event of this magnitude in recent times. The aircraft was filled, carrying 278 travelers and 10 staff members.
Jim Ireland, head of Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, reported that 20 patients were transported to hospitals, 11 of whom were in critical condition.
One individual was reportedly knocked unconscious, but all patients reached hospitals aware and able to communicate, according to Ireland.
Patients sustained wounds, especially to the skull, as well as abrasions. The violent motion caused nausea and vomiting in some individuals, he claimed. In total, 36 patients were treated.
BREAKING: Eleven people on a flight from Phoenix have suffered serious injuries after the airplane encountered severe turbulence about 30 minutes outside Honolulu, an emergency response agency said. https://t.co/W9bDa4oOVQ
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 18, 2022
Ireland stated they are also extremely grateful there weren’t any fatalities or any serious injuries; he is also optimistic that everyone will recover completely,
Three airline staff were among the people transported to hospitals, according to Snook.
Kaylee Reyes told Hawaii News Now that her mom was unable to fasten her safety belt since she had just sat back down when turbulence struck. Reyes stated that her mother had been thrown up and hit the ceiling.
Snook reported the aircraft sustained some structural damage during the turbulent flight. Despite the fact that the seatbelt sign was illuminated, several of those wounded were not wearing them, he claimed.
At the time of the occurrence, according to Thomas Vaughan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, there was a weather warning for thunderstorms that spanned Oahu and locations that would have encompassed the flight path.
11 people seriously injured amid turbulence on Hawaii flight https://t.co/NEIN9qd4gD pic.twitter.com/GUYJ4ryniA
— CTV News (@CTVNews) December 19, 2022
Snook stated the airline was informed of the weather report, volatile air, and weather changes, but had no indication the particular stretch of air where the volatility occurred was in any way hazardous.
He did not know how much height the jet lost during the storm, stating the National Transportation Safety Board would investigate. He stated the flight data recorder would reveal these insights.
He stated the probe would also focus on what the passengers and staff were up to at the time.
Immediately following the turbulence, the Airbus A330-200 started its descent. The pilots declared a crisis because of the large number of casualties on board, he said. Air traffic controllers prioritized the landing of the airplane.
Wear Your Seatbelt!
Snook stated the airplane will endure a full check and maintenance, primarily to repair cabin systems.
Snook also claimed he was able to only assume whether or not some individuals struck their heads, but given the wounds and the destruction to cabin panels, this was probably the case.
This article appeared in Conservative Cardinal and has been published here with permission.
