Five minutes of chaos: Air India crew suffer spinal injuries during severe turbulence
Nearly five minutes of severe turbulence on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi left 17 people injured, with some cabin crew sustaining spinal injuries, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Wednesday as investigators began analysing the aircraft's flight recorders.
The Airbus A320neo, operating flight AI2379, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it encountered severe turbulence about an hour before landing in Delhi on August 4.
According to the minister, passengers recalled the turbulence lasting for four to five minutes, during which those on board suffered injuries.
"Passengers recalled turbulence lasting for about four to five minutes. It was during that period that they faced the injuries and difficulties inside the aircraft," Naidu said after visiting the injured crew members in hospital.
He said two crew members had suffered spinal injuries near the neck and tailbone and remain under medical observation.
"A couple of crew members have spinal injuries near the tailbone and neck. They remain under medical supervision and are being provided all necessary support as advised by doctors," he said.
Air India said all 13 passengers who were admitted to hospital following the incident have since been discharged. However, four cabin crew members continue to receive treatment.
The airline said medical teams attended to passengers immediately after landing, with those requiring further care shifted to Medanta and Fortis hospitals. It added that its staff remain at the hospitals to assist those affected and their families.
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Naidu praised the cabin crew for continuing to carry out their duties despite their injuries.
"Even after suffering injuries during those five minutes, the crew continued performing their duties for nearly another hour until the aircraft landed safely. They showed remarkable courage," he said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident and examining the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to determine what triggered the severe turbulence.
"The aircraft was moved to a separate hangar after landing. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder are now with the DGCA. The facts will be made public once the investigation is complete," the minister said.