Avianca Flight 042: 8 Hospitalized After Severe Turbulence

Avianca Flight 042 diverted to Miami after severe turbulence injured people on board during a journey from Medellín, Colombia, to New York City. Eight people were taken to hospital after the aircraft landed early Friday, October 9.

The flight had been heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport but instead landed safely at Miami International Airport at approximately 3.30am local time. Emergency crews and ambulances were waiting to assist those injured.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed that eight people required hospital treatment. Local television station WSVN reported that some patients were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, with one taken to its Ryder Trauma Center as of 5am.

WSVN cameras recorded paramedics bringing an injured person into the hospital. The extent of the patients’ injuries had not been disclosed in the initial official reports.

Video described by NBC6 reportedly showed people holding ice packs against their heads while those on board were instructed to remain seated.