United Express flight diverts after severe turbulence injures two over Texas

Air traffic control audio captured one of the pilots requesting a stretcher for injured passengers and mentioning bleeding onboard. Social media posts from passengers described chaotic scenes during the incident, including reports of someone hitting the ceiling and another passenger losing teeth. Oxygen masks were deployed during the event.

After landing in Austin, the remainder of the flight was canceled. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

Turbulence-related fatalities on commercial flights are rare; since 1981 there have been only four documented deaths due to turbulence, according to BBC reporting https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-69173657. The most recent occurred in May 2024 on Singapore Airlines Flight 321 when severe turbulence resulted in over 140 injuries and one fatality.

Experts suggest that climate change may lead to more frequent turbulence events in coming decades, but advancements in forecasting technology could help mitigate risks.

United Airlines is a full-service carrier founded in 1931 with major hubs including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Guam International Airport.