An Air Europa flight from Madrid to Montevideo was forced to make an emergency landing in Brazil after encountering severe turbulence early Monday morning. The turbulence left 40 passengers injured, several of whom required hospitalization. The flight, which had 325 people on board, experienced turbulence approximately four hours into the journey. This prompted an emergency landing at Natal International Airport in São Gonçalo do Amarante, Brazil.
Flight UX045, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed from Madrid-Barajas Airport and was en route to Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence while flying through the Intertropical Convergence Zone, notorious for its heavy thunderstorms.
Eyewitness Accounts And Official Statements
Dr. Cecilia Laguzzi told Good Morning America about the terrifying experience of how extreme turbulence awakened her when she and her family were on the flight.
“I felt something very hard hitting my head and then my back, and I fell on my head. I couldn’t get up at first.” She described the aftermath as chaotic, with passengers and luggage strewn across the cabin.
Air Europa confirmed the incident in a statement on X, emphasizing that the plane landed safely and that medical care was promptly provided to the injured passengers. “We are sorry for what happened and the inconvenience caused. We hope for a speedy recovery of the passengers,” the airline said.
Safety Tips During Turbulence
The recent incident on the flight operated by Air Europa highlights the significance of following all safety procedures when flying. According to Good Morning America, ABC News contributor and aviation expert Col. Steve Ganyard claims that turbulence is a typical occurrence in flight and that modern aircraft are engineered to withstand it. While turbulence can be a frightening experience, understanding and following the safety measures below can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
- Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while seated. Turbulence can occur unexpectedly, and a fastened seatbelt can prevent injuries from sudden movements.
- Follow Crew Instructions: Pay attention to safety briefings and follow the crew’s instructions during the flight.
- Secure Personal Items: Stow carry-on items in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you to prevent them from becoming projectiles during turbulence.
- Choose Your Seat Wisely: Select a seat over the wings where the ride tends to be smoother.
- Stay Calm: Turbulence can be unnerving but try to remain calm. Take deep breaths and remember that planes are built to handle such conditions.
- Brace Position: In severe cases, follow the crew’s instructions and assume the brace position if advised.
