Two individuals on a British Airways flight to London suffered broken ankles due to turbulence encountered during the journey. The incident occurred on a flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow on December 6, 2024, approximately 20 minutes after the seatbelt signs were activated.
According to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the turbulence, lasting between 10 and 15 seconds, was deemed as “light to moderate” by the captain. One of the injured passengers mentioned experiencing a sudden upward and sideways movement of the aircraft while returning to his seat after using the restroom, resulting in a broken ankle. The other injured party, a cabin crew member, was in the process of securing her seatbelt when the turbulence caused her to fall, resulting in a similar injury.
The turbulence occurred above the Atlantic Ocean, south of Greenland, prompting considerations of diverting to airports in Canada or Iceland. However, the captain decided to continue to Heathrow as those alternatives were deemed unsuitable. Upon landing, ambulances met the aircraft to transport the three injured individuals to the hospital.
The captain had activated the seatbelt signs following information from a weather app on his tablet device. This action potentially averted more injuries among the passengers. A British Airways representative emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, stating that their skilled crew are trained to handle such situations effectively.
In a separate incident on a Singapore Airlines flight, a passenger passed away due to a suspected heart attack during severe turbulence on May 21, 2024. Seven others sustained serious injuries, and numerous passengers suffered minor injuries as the aircraft experienced a sudden drop, causing unrestrained individuals to be thrown against the ceiling. Damage to the cabin’s ceiling and scattered debris were observed post-turbulence.