Five people were injured and required hospitalization after a flight from Missouri to Texas experienced significant turbulence, leading to an emergency landing.
Five passengers on a United airlines flight to Houston (IAH), operated by a SkyWest CRJ-200LR aircraft (N920EV), were hospitalized Sunday night following severe turbulence leading to emergency diversion to Waco Regional Airport (ACT).
SkyWest flight UA5690 was carrying 31 people, including 28 passengers, from Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Multiple commercial flights were diverted to Waco because of strong storms across parts of Texas. A total of three flights diverted to Waco Regional Airport Sunday night, two American Airline flights that were heading to DFW and the United Airlines flight from Springfield.
SkyWest statement : “SkyWest flight 5690, operating as United Express from Springfield, MO to Houston, landed safely at Waco Regional Airport after experiencing turbulence.
Upon arrival, medical personnel evaluated the passengers, the airline said. Five passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
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.” United Airlines plane will be in the Waco Regional Airport for a day or two so maintenance team can complete the inspections.
The flight ultimately landed in Houston about 1:45 a.m. Monday.
