A United Airlines flight bound for Chicago had to make an unexpected landing in Tennessee on Wednesday due to “severe turbulence,” according to the airline.
Seven people sustained injuries during the incident, with one individual being transported to a local hospital, officials reported.
Flight UA1196 experienced a “brief period of severe turbulence” on Wednesday afternoon, as stated by United Airlines. The airline confirmed that the seatbelt sign was on during the turbulence.
The crew reported the turbulence while flying over Louisiana, and the plane safely landed at Memphis International Airport at approximately 2:40 p.m. CT, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Upon landing, paramedics were on hand to assist the passengers. One person was taken to the hospital with non-critical injuries, according to the Memphis Fire Department.
Six other individuals declined medical treatment, and the extent of their injuries remains unknown, the fire department added.
United Airlines expressed gratitude to the crew for their efforts in ensuring the safety of both employees and passengers.
The Boeing 737-900 was en route from Cancun International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport with 172 passengers and seven crew members on board, the airline noted.
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By Wednesday evening, the aircraft had resumed its journey to Chicago.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
