Advertisement

7 are hurt on American Airlines jet from Miami, forcing plane to divert to Canada

 
Published Jan. 25, 2016

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland — Seven people were taken to the hospital after an American Airlines plane from Miami to Milan, Italy, made an emergency landing in Newfoundland after the jet briefly encountered severe turbulence.

The aircraft landed safely in the East Coast Canadian province late Sunday, where it was met by paramedics.

American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said three flight attendants and four passengers were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. He said he didn't think any of the injuries were life-threatening.

The seat belt light was on when the Boeing 767 carrying 192 passengers and 11 crew members encountered turbulence.

At least four ambulances and a fire truck were seen on the tarmac in St. John's, Newfoundland. Paramedics rushed toward the plane with stretchers and what appeared to be a backboard.

An hour after the plane landed, one ambulance remained.

Feinstein said the airline was working on the next steps to get the uninjured passengers to Milan.

Sara Norris, a spokeswoman for St. John's airport, said the plane would stay in St. John's overnight.