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Number of passengers injured after flight heading for Manchester Airport hits 'freak turbulence'

Number of passengers injured after flight heading for Manchester Airport hits 'freak turbulence'

The plane had already been diverted

A number of passengers were injured this Christmas period after a flight which had been heading from Barbados back to Manchester ended up hitting 'severe turbulence'.

Maleth Aero Flight 1975 had taken off from Barbados with 225 passengers and 13 crew, and was meant to carry P&O Cruises passengers back home from a trip to the Caribbean in time for Christmas.

It was meant to touch down in the UK on the morning of 24 December, but the plane experienced severe turbulence around two-and-a-half hours into the flight.

Pilots headed for the nearest airport, situated on the island of Bermuda - five hours after the plane had left Barbados.

It has been stuck there ever since - with 11 passengers injured during the period of turbulence, meaning those on board couldn't make it home for Christmas.

The plane had to divert to Bermuda.
Getty Stock Photo

However, the plan is for the plane to take off today (26 December) and get people back home in the early hours of tomorrow (27 December).

Passengers were put up in hotels while their flight was grounded in Bermuda, with the plane being checked to make sure it's in a condition to be going back up into the skies.

The plane made an emergency landing at LF Wade International Airport and was met by emergency service personnel, who were able to check the passengers injuries.

Owen Darrell, Bermuda's acting Minister of National Security, thanked the emergency services for getting to the plane so quickly and helping the injured passengers.

The plane didn't reach Manchester Airport as it was forced to make an emergency landing in Bermuda.
Getty Stock Photo

He said: "We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the wellbeing of all involved.

"We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew."

A P&O spokeswoman also told the BBC: "Following freak (unexpected) turbulence, a flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda on Sunday morning.

"We are very sorry for this disruption to the journey following their holiday and we worked round the clock with the airline and hotels to take care of the guests, and to ensure they get home as soon as possible."

Plane travel over in the UK has also been disrupted due to the weather, with the winds of Storm Pia resulting in a weather warning from the Met Office.

The storms caused a number of disruptions for people who were planning on heading home for the holidays - with millions of people making major journeys for the festive season.

While the flight from Barbados ended up spending the better part of three days stuck in Bermuda, it will soon be given the chance to head for Manchester along with the over 200 passengers who had hoped to be home for Christmas.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photos

Topics: UK News, Travel