Severe turbulence injures 26 aboard Hong Kong-bound flights

USPA News - More than two dozen people were injured Friday when severe turbulence hit two passengers planes as they prepared to land at the airport in Hong Kong, which has experienced unsettled weather as Tropical Storm Kong-rey passes nearby, airline officials said. The most serious incident occurred on board Thai Airways flight TG600, an Airbus A380-800 superjumbo, which was wrapping up a 2.5-hour flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in the Thai capital of Bangkok to Hong Kong`s Chek Lap Kok Airport.

It was carrying 500 passengers, two pilots and 24 cabin attendants. "As the aircraft was descending to Chek Lap Kok Airport, Hong Kong, an unforeseen turbulence occurred," said Chokchai Panyayong of Thai Airways. "Thereafter, despite the turbulence, the pilots safely landed the aircraft, with the THAI`s ground customer services staff at Chek Lap Kok Airport and Hong Kong International Airport Authority staff immediately transporting the injured to hospital." Panyayong said 20 passengers and cabin attendants were injured and transported to local hospitals, including a crew member who suffered a broken collarbone. "THAI regrets this unforeseen weather occurrence and will tend to medical expenses of all passengers and staff who were injured," he said. None of the injured were believed to be in a serious condition, although most remained in hospital on early Saturday morning. "All other passengers proceeded through the passenger terminal arrivals hall at Chek Lap Kok Airport according to normal arrival procedures and formalities," Panyayong added. Six other people, including three passengers and three crew members, were injured when severe turbulence hit Hong Kong Airlines flight HK762 as it came in for landing at the same airport. All six had been discharged from hospital by late Friday evening, airport authorities confirmed.