5 Passengers Injured on United Airlines Flight After Plane Hits Severe Turbulence: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

A United Airlines plane.Photo:Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty

Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty

At least five people were injured after a plane bound for Houston hit severe turbulence mid-flight, according to reports.

The United Airlines jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Waco Regional Airport in Waco, Texas, due to the turbulence after departing from Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri on Sunday, March 2, local outlets25 NewsandSpringfield News-Leaderreported.

The injured were transported to local hospitals with “non-life-threatening” injuries after the Waco Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management responded to the scene, the outlets reported.

“Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital. SkyWest and United are making sure the injured customers get the care they need and are working to line up new transportation options for everyone on this flight."

Waco Regional Airport in Texas.RoadPix/Alamy Stock Photo

RoadPix/Alamy Stock Photo

Ryan Dirker, emergency management coordinator for the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, said the flight was carrying 32 people, including 29 passengers, per Springfield News-Leader. Dirker said of the incident, “They had turbulence. The rest of the folks, a great majority of them, are still at the airport trying to figure out next steps.”

According to the flight tracking websiteFlightAware, United Flight 5690 took off from Springfield seven minutes ahead of schedule at 4:48 p.m. before landing one hour and 40 minutes later at Waco National Airport at 6:28 p.m., 32 minutes ahead of the scheduled landing time.

The flight was initially scheduled to land at Houston Bush International Airport, per Springfield News-Leader.

A United Airlines plane.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

A total of three flights diverted to Waco Regional Airport on Sunday night, including two American Airlines flights that were initially supposed to land at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, 25 News reported.

A spokesperson for United Airlines did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com