Vistara flight: severe turbulence caused three passengers injured

Three passengers were seriously injured on a Vistara flight after the aircraft hit severe turbulence a few minutes before landing. In addition to this, five more passengers suffered minor injuries. 

The Boeing 737-800, with registration VT-TGE, was descending as flight UK-775 from Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Kolkata-Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. A total of 123 people, along with ten crew members, were on board the aircraft. 

The aircraft was hit by severe air turbulence while descending through 8000 feet around 15 minutes before landing on Monday, 7 June.

The three seriously injured passengers were taken to hospitals after receiving first aid during the flight and immediate medical assistance upon arrival in Kolkata. Two of them were elderly passengers over 60 years old.

A 61-year-old received a fracture in her right hand. Another 77-year-old passenger received a spinal tenderness injury, whereas the third, 36-year-old passenger received a cut on the forehead.

The five other passengers who suffered minor injuries were released after receiving first aid at the airport medical facility. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the incident on priority.

The Boeing 737-800 involved in the turbulence was delivered to the airline back in June 2019. It is an ex-Jet Airways Boeing 737-800 and is currently 7.8 years old. 

Statement from the airline

“Flight UK775 operating Mumbai-Kolkata on 7 June 2021 encountered severe turbulence 15 minutes before landing. According to preliminary reports, the turbulence caused injuries to a few passengers, who were provided first aid during flight and immediate medical assistance upon arrival in Kolkata.

“We are saddened by this unfortunate experience our customers had and are closely monitoring the health status of those injured. We are investigating the incident on priority and will share a further update at the earliest.”