Eight taken to hospital after turbulence caused passengers to ‘hit the roof’ on Dublin flight
Eight people have been taken to hospital after a bout of heavy turbulence onboard a flight from Doha to Dublin.
Twelve people, six passengers and six crew members, reported injuries after a Qatar Airways flight was caught in turbulence over Turkey.
The flight landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport with emergency services ready at the scene.
Dublin airport said in a statement: “Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 1pm on Sunday.”
“Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and our fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey.”
Dublin Airport later confirmed that eight passengers were taken to hospital.
They said: “All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital.
“The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon.”
In a statement Qatar Airways said that “a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention”, adding: “The matter is now subject to an internal investigation.”
One of the passengers on the flight, Paul Mocc told RTE that he saw people “hitting the roof” and food and drink going everywhere.
He paid praised the staff for continuing with the flight service despite some limping afterwards and wearing bandages.
The incident follows the severe turbulence experienced last week by passengers on board a flight from London to Singapore in which one man died from a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured.
Irish broadcaster RTE, citing passengers arriving at Dublin Airport, said the incident lasted less than 20 seconds and occurred during food and drinks service.
Dublin Airport said: “All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital.
“The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon.”
