Turbulence injures nine on flight to Halifax

Nine passengers were injured on the evening of September 6th, when a plane from Calgary, Alberta, hit some turbulence and dropped several hundred feet in the air. Three passengers required hospitalization following the incident.

The Westjet flight to Halifax (Flight 80) was at an altitude of 39,370 feet, flying just north of Sudbury, Ontario, when it suddenly plunged downward, according to the airline. At the time of the event, several passengers were not seated and did not have time to regain their seats or fasten their seatbelts.

The Transportation Safety Board is looking into the issue. A representative from the independent body, Mike Cunningham said they try to assess if an investigation would be required. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Transport Canada, Luci Vignola said that they would be looking into the incident in order to determine if the airline followed standard procedures.

Westjet representatives say that the pilots and flight crew had no indications turbulence would be in the area and classified the turbulence as “moderate”.

Seven emergency vehicles met the flight when it landed in Halifax that night. Paramedics checked passengers at the airport, treating six and sending a further three to hospital.

www.westjet.com