Turbulence on Doha-Dublin Flight
A Qatar Airways flight traveling from Doha to Dublin encountered severe turbulence over Turkey, injuring twelve passengers and crew members.
Dramatic Scenes on Doha-Dublin Flight
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flight QR017, landed safely at Dublin Airport shortly before 1 pm local time.
However, upon landing, emergency services, including airport police, paramedics, and firefighters, were waiting to meet the aircraft.
12 people - including 6 crew members - were injured after a #QatarAirways #plane was hit by turbulence during its flight from #Doha to #Dublin, five days after a #passenger was killed and dozens injured on a #SingaporeAirlines flight from London to Singapore. #Watch pic.twitter.com/JtPyA75tka
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) May 27, 2024
Source: Twitter/CNBCTV18News
The cause for the emergency response was the turbulence experienced mid-flight. According to Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), six passengers and six crew members were injured. Eight of the injured were transported to local hospitals for further medical evaluation.
Passengers Describe Terrifying Ordeal
Passengers on the Doha-Dublin flight described the turbulence as terrifying. Many recounted that the plane dropped suddenly during meal service, throwing passengers and crew around the cabin.
Cathal, a passenger returning from Doha, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that the meal service was underway when the plane hit turbulence. He said, "The seatbelt signs were off, and my meal ended up spilled all over the plane, including on the ceiling."
Another passenger, Paul Mocc, noted that many crew members were injured because they were serving food and drinks when the turbulence struck. He witnessed several flight attendants with injuries, some with bandages, but said they continued to care for passengers despite their own discomfort.
Qatar Airways Responds to Incident
Qatar Airways issued a statement to BBC News NI, acknowledging the incident.
They stated, "a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries during the flight and are currently receiving medical care."
The airline also confirmed that an internal investigation into the incident was underway.
Dublin Airport Operations Unaffected
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) assured the public that operations at the airport remained normal despite the incident.
The return flight to Doha was scheduled to depart later on Sunday afternoon, albeit with a delay.
Turbulence Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
This incident with the Doha-Dublin flight comes shortly after another flight with severe turbulence.
Earlier in the week, a Singapore Airlines flight en route to Singapore experienced extreme turbulence, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British man and injuries to over 100 passengers.
The Singaporean government has pledged a comprehensive investigation into that incident, highlighting growing concerns about passenger safety during unexpected turbulence events.
Read more such news on techinsighttoday
Thank you so much for reading.