On August 9, 2024, a United Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence that resulted in seven passengers sustaining injuries, prompting an emergency landing. Flight 485 was en route from Denver to Chicago when it encountered unexpected and intense turbulence over the Midwest. The sudden jolt of turbulence caused several passengers to be thrown from their seats and led to chaos within the cabin.
The turbulence struck shortly after the plane had reached cruising altitude. Passengers reported that the aircraft shook violently, with the seatbelt sign illuminated as the crew instructed everyone to buckle up. Despite these precautions, the unexpected nature of the turbulence meant that several passengers were injured, with reports indicating that some suffered from head and neck injuries, while others experienced bruising and minor fractures.
The flight crew acted swiftly in response to the emergency. The captain made the decision to divert the flight to a nearby airport to ensure the safety of all onboard. The aircraft landed safely at a regional airport, where medical personnel were waiting to attend to the injured passengers. Emergency services provided immediate medical care, and the injured were transported to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
United Airlines issued a statement expressing concern for the injured passengers and assuring that they are providing support and assistance to them and their families. The airline also stated that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. In the aftermath, the incident has raised questions about the protocols and safety measures in place to handle such severe turbulence and ensure passenger safety in similar situations.