The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
At least 8 injured after severe turbulence forces flight to make emergency landing in Miami
Several passengers and crew members on an Avianca flight from Colombia to New York City were transported to a hospital after the plane made an emergency landing in Miami.
Avianca flight from Medellin to New York City diverted to Miami International Airport after encountering unexpected turbulence, according to an airline spokesperson.
The aircraft landed in Miami at 3:30 a.m. local time, with passengers and crew reportedly transferring to medical facilities following the precautionary emergency landing.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and airport officials indicated eight people were transported to local hospitals, with one taken to a trauma center; the department did not disclose the nature or extent of injuries.
The incident prompted a Level One Mass Casualty Incident response due to the number of patients, and responders provided care and transport by ambulance to multiple local hospitals.
After the diversion and medical response, the remaining passengers continued onward to John F. Kennedy International Airport later that morning. Avianca stated it was providing support to affected passengers and crew as part of its safety response.