What was supposed to be a routine international flight quickly turned into a frightening ordeal for passengers aboard a Delta plane headed from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam.
The trip had barely begun when unexpected turbulence struck, injuring dozens and forcing the flight to make an emergency landing.
Delta Flight Diverted to Minneapolis for Emergency Landing
Delta Flight 56, which took off from Salt Lake City around 4:35 p.m. local time (5:35 p.m. in Minneapolis), ended up being rerouted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The Airbus A330-900 was carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members when it ran into what the airline described as “significant turbulence.”
The plane touched down safely around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, but the chaos in the sky had already taken a toll.
Passengers Report Being Thrown From Seats
As the turbulence hit, several passengers were reportedly thrown from their seats.
Some accounts suggest that people weren’t wearing seatbelts at the time, which led to more severe injuries.
According to early reports, there’s concern that a number of passengers may have suffered broken bones as a result of the violent jolt.
Emergency Responders Rush to the Scene
The Minneapolis Fire Department and paramedics were waiting at the gate when the plane arrived.
Medical crews quickly began evaluating both passengers and crew members.
In total, 25 individuals were taken to local hospitals for further treatment and observation.
Delta Responds to the Incident
Delta Airlines issued a statement after the emergency landing, thanking all the emergency responders involved and reaffirming their focus on safety.
“We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved,” the statement read.
“Safety is our No. 1 value at Delta and our Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs.”
What Happens Next for Passengers
Delta’s care team is currently working with those on board to arrange medical care and alternative travel plans.
While investigations are ongoing, the incident serves as a sharp reminder of just how unpredictable and dangerous air turbulence can be—even on well-managed flights.