Passengers of an Aeroflot plane headed to Thailand from Moscow suffered serious injuries on their flight Monday. Some 27 people, including three babies, incurred broken bones and head injuries due to extreme turbulence, which they said came "out of nowhere."
The plane was 40 minutes into landing when the turbulence occurred. The majority of the passengers didn't have their seatbelts fastened yet as the seatbelt sign was off.
People were thrown off their seats hitting their heads and bodies everywhere when the plane shook. Moms lost grip of their babies because of the turbulence's force, Daily Mail reported. Blood spilled on the plane as well, according to witnesses.
Some of the passengers received treatment at a hospital for fractures and bruises once they got off the plane. Some also required surgery. A Russian embassy spokesman said 15 people remained hospitalized as of press time, as per CNN.
Passenger Margarita Vladimir, who suffered scratches and bruises, told the news outlet they were taken to the hospital because her child had head injuries. Fortunately, the doctors gave Vladimir's family an all clear. One passenger recorded what went on with his phone camera and posted the video on his Instagram.
Aeroflot, however, issued a statement citing none of the injured passenger getting treatment were in grave danger, as posted on its official site. The company also belied reports regarding passengers with spinal injuries.
Experts said the plane likely passed an "air hole," resulting in the turbulence. Experts characterized an air hole as a small area where the air is at low pressure, thus the aircraft could have a harder time navigating through it.
Turbulence normally occurs when flying. For the passenger's safety, however, airlines require the use of a seatbelt. Airlines also allow infants to sit on their parents' lap but the Federal Aviation Administration recommends properly securing babies in infant car seats similar to the ones parents use on their cars, as per Mayo Clinic.
