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Allegiant Air flight forced to land in Florida after turbulence causes injuries (w/video)

 
Published May 6, 2016

FORT LAUDERDALE — A flight destined for Pittsburgh was diverted to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after some passengers and crew members were injured when the plane hit severe turbulence on Thursday.

Allegiant Air's flight 7001 took off just before 12:30 p.m. from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and landed in Fort Lauderdale around 2:30 p.m., according to the flight-tracking website Flight Aware.

According to the airline, two flight attendants and two passengers suffered head injuries during the flight. They were treated by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue crews at the airport, according to Broward County Aviation Department spokesman Greg Meyer.

A third passenger, who is diabetic, also received treatment from first responders, according to the airline.

All five patients were taken to Broward Health Medical Center with injuries that were not life threatening, said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles.

"Initial reports from our crew indicate that it was unreported moderate clear air turbulence that caused the injuries and subsequent diversion," the airline said in an email.

The flight is a charter service operated on behalf of Apple Vacations, the airline said. There were a total of 137 passengers and six crew members on board, the airline said, and Spokeswoman Jessica Wheeler indicated that there were no immediate signs of damage to the plane. .

Passengers are being cleared through customs in Fort Lauderdale while the airline makes new flight arrangements.

"The airline is currently working to accommodate all passengers and develop a plan for getting all passengers safely to their destination," the airline said in an emailed statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed last week that it is conducting a detailed, 90-day inspection of Allegiant Air's operations in response to "various internal issues" tied to maintenance and safety.

Information from Times reporter William R. Levesque and the Associated Press was used in this report.