Socialites, this is the kind of mid-air drama nobody signed up for! A Delta Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam turned into a nightmare on Wednesday when severe turbulence sent passengers flying—literally—and left 25 people in the hospital.
Delta Flight 56, carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members, was about 40 minutes into the trip when it suddenly went from smooth sailing to chaos. According to flight data, the Airbus A330-900 shot up more than 1,000 feet in less than 30 seconds… then dropped about 1,350 feet in the next half-minute. Service carts, drinks, and anyone not buckled in reportedly slammed against the ceiling.
The chaos forced the flight to divert and make an emergency landing in Minnesota around 7:20 p.m. Paramedics and fire crews were waiting on the tarmac, and 25 passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Delta says its Care Team is now helping those injured and making sure everyone else gets the support they need.
“We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved,” the airline said in a statement. “Safety is our No. 1 value at Delta.”
Why Turbulence Is So Scary
Look, turbulence isn’t just a little bump in the ride. While most cases are harmless, extreme turbulence—like what happened on this flight—can be downright dangerous. Here’s why:
• Sudden Drops and Climbs: A plane can move hundreds of feet up or down in seconds, which can throw people and objects around the cabin.
• Flying Objects: Service carts, luggage, or even your cell phone can turn into dangerous projectiles if they’re not secured.
• Injury Risk: Passengers and crew not wearing seat belts are at risk of hitting the ceiling or walls. That’s how people end up in the hospital.
Experts say severe turbulence is rare but can happen without much warning, especially over stormy regions or when crossing jet streams.
What Happens Next<:h2>
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told CNN they are officially investigating the incident and expect a preliminary report in about a month.
Meanwhile, Delta is monitoring the injured passengers and assisting anyone shaken up by the ordeal.