The flight, which was heading to Houston, was forced to divert to Waco, Texas, on March 2
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At least five people are injured after a plane bound for Houston hit severe turbulence mid-flight, according to reports.
The United Airlines jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Waco Regional Airport in Waco, Texas, due to the turbulence after departing from Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri on Sunday, March 2, local outlets 25 News and Springfield News-Leader reported.
The injured were transported to local hospitals with “non-life-threatening” injuries after the Waco Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management responded to the scene, the outlets reported.
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Ryan Dirker, emergency management coordinator for the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, said the flight was carrying 32 people, including 29 passengers, per Springfield News-Leader. Dirker said of the incident, “They had turbulence. The rest of the folks, a great majority of them, are still at the airport trying to figure out next steps.”
According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, United Flight 5690 took off from Springfield seven minutes ahead of schedule at 4:48 p.m. before landing one hour and 40 minutes later at Waco National Airport at 6:28 p.m., 32 minutes ahead of the scheduled landing time.
The flight was initially scheduled to land at Houston Bush International Airport, per Springfield News-Leader.
SkyWest Airlines, the company that operated the flight, said in a statement per 25 News, “SkyWest flight 5690, operating as United Express from Springfield, MO to Houston, landed safely at Waco Regional Airport after experiencing turbulence.”
“Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital. SkyWest and United are making sure the injured customers get the care they need and are working to line up new transportation options for everyone on this flight.”
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A total of three flights diverted to Waco Regional Airport on Sunday night, including two American Airlines flights that were initially supposed to land at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, 25 News reported.
Interim Director of Aviation, Michael A. Reisman, said that the United Airlines plane would remain at Waco Regional Airport for one to two days to be looked over by mechanics, per 25 News.
