New Delhi: An Air India flight arriving from Phuket to Delhi was caught in a severe wind in the air and fell 300 feet in an instant, injuring 14 people, including passengers and crew. The plane suddenly plunged to a depth of about 300 feet, causing severe panic among the passengers inside. Passengers who were not wearing seat belts and the flight crew on duty were injured after hitting the ceiling of the plane. Passengers and crew members were also among the injured.
Despite the intense atmosphere of panic on the plane, Air India managed to land safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. As soon as the plane landed at the airport, an emergency medical team rushed to the spot and provided immediate first aid to the injured. The seriously injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital.
Pictures circulating on social media showed the ceiling panels inside the plane being damaged. According to initial reports, the pilot said that the plane plunged about 300 feet during the flight. As the plane flipped over in mid-air, 80% of the people on board suffered minor injuries. A total of 14 people sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment. The passengers on the flight have announced that they have decided to take legal action against Air India.
Delhi airport authorities were informed while the plane was still in the air, so medical teams were kept ready even before the plane landed. After the plane landed safely, all the passengers and crew disembarked. The injured were immediately taken to the airport medical centre and treated.
Air India, which issued a statement on the incident, said, “We can confirm that flight AI2379, flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, encountered a sudden gust of wind during flight and was airborne for a few moments.” “No one was seriously injured. As a precautionary measure, passengers and crew with minor injuries have been admitted to the airport hospital for medical check-up. The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority. All necessary assistance is being provided to the victims and we are fully cooperating with the authorities in the investigation,” an Air India spokesperson said.