About 35 injured as Air Canada flight makes emergency landing in Hawaii

About three dozen people were injured when an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Australia hit heavy turbulence over the Pacific Ocean. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Honolulu airport.

Flight AC33 experienced heavy turbulence on Thursday and was forced to turn back, requesting an emergency landing at Honolulu airport. While the landing itself went smoothly, a number of people, including one crew member, were injured in the turbulence.

The number of injured was initially put at 25, but was later bumped up to 35.

Many of the people received head and neck injuries, CTV News reported, citing a source. The injuries indicate that the passengers were basically flung out of their seats when the aircraft hit the ‘bumpy’ spot above the Pacific.

The affected people are being examined by medical personnel, an Air Canada spokesperson told the channel.

“We are currently making arrangements for the passengers including hotel accommodations and meals in Honolulu, as well as options for resumption of the flight,” the spokesperson said.

The plane, a Boeing 777-200, reportedly had around 270 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

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