New Delhi:
Severe turbulence has injured 27 people on an Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Bangkok, after a plane unexpectedly hit an "air hole" during its approach to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
24 Russians and 3 Thais were hurt, with some suffering serious fractures and bruising according to the statement from Russian Embassy in Bangkok.
The Boeing 777 hit a pocket of “clear air†turbulence – where there is no telltale cloud pattern or radar presence to warn pilots of the change in air pressure – as the flight prepared to land in Bangkok, shortly after midnight on Monday.
Denis Antonyuk, an official at Russia’s embassy in Bangkok said 24 Russian nationals and three Thai citizens were injured on flight SU270.
“Fifteen Russians and two Thais are still in hospital,†he told AFP, adding the rest had been discharged.
"Some injured passengers were not wearing seat belts. All victims were taken to a local hospital with various injuries, mostly fractures and bruises. Some require surgery. Fifteen people remain hospitalized," the embassy said.
The Airport Authority of Thailand said in a press release that 30 passengers had been injured during the flight with 27 individuals transferred to Samitivej Srinakarin hospital in Bangkok, while three chose to seek their own treatment.
A video shows passengers lying injured in the aisle after they were hurled up to the ceiling.
