Turbulence over Louisiana forced a United Airlines flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago to make an emergency landing in Memphis, Tennessee, this week.
United Flight 1196 safely landed at Memphis International Airport at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
Seven aboard were injured. Paramedics arrived at the gate to help one person in noncritical condition to the hospital while the six others declined treatment and transport, the Memphis Fire Department said.
The extent and nature of their injuries weren’t specified by fire officials or the airline.
The seatbelt sign was on when the Boeing 737-900 went through the rough patch of air, with 172 passengers and seven crew members aboard, United said.
Passengers said the weather disturbance almost caused flight attendants to slam into the ceiling.
“We have stains all over our clothes because of food going everywhere. The ceiling is covered with food,” passenger Patrick Froh told Memphis NBC affiliate WMC-TV.
“We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers,” United said in a statement.
Flight 1196 ultimately left Memphis at 4:34 p.m. and landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 6:27 p.m., according to tracking website FlightAware.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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