Several people on board Delta Flight DL175 from Milan, Italy, to Atlanta, Georgia, were injured when the plane was hit by unexpected turbulence. In an updated report on August 30, at least two passengers told FOX 5 ‘that the unexpected turbulence resulted in multiple serious injuries.” Passengers added that “they were held on the plane for hours as fellow passengers received treatment.”
Delta Flight DL175 was scheduled to depart from Milan’s Malpensa airport at 5:45 a.m. EST. Departure was delayed approximately three hours. The flight was scheduled to land in Atlanta at 4 p.m. EST, but the delayed landing occurred at 6:54 p.m. As described by two passengers to FOX 5, “their plane dropped in the middle of the flight, and they witnessed two unsecured attendants hit the ceiling.”
As reported, the pilot declared an emergency landing in Atlanta, grounding the plane about 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The couple that spoke to FOX 5 stated that “all passengers were kept onboard for an additional two hours while those who were injured were triaged.”
The scene inside the aircraft was vividly described. “Looked to be about 12 people with serious head injuries. Several flight attendants, too. Bunch of blood and awfulness,” one of the passengers said. ” One couple’s reaction to the ominous incidents was to abandon further air travel on their trip. “My fiancée and I are so freaked out, we are renting a car and driving to our final destination instead.”
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines issued this statement regarding the incident:
“Delta Care Team members are mobilizing to connect with customers on Delta Flight 175 that experienced severe turbulence before landing safely in Atlanta Tuesday. Our priority is taking care of our customers and crew who sustained injuries. We are grateful for the first responders who met the aircraft to provide medical attention and who are transporting the injured to hospital.”
Delta confirmed 151 customers were on the plane, 10 flight attendants and four pilots. Eleven people were transported to a hospital.
