Severe Turbulence on Korean Air Flight Leaves More Than a Dozen Injured
A recent incident of severe turbulence on a Korean Air flight bound for Mongolia left more than a dozen people injured and caused chaos in the airplane cabin. The turbulence occurred on August 4, shortly after the plane took off from Incheon Airport in South Korea.
The flight, carrying nearly 300 passengers, experienced violent shaking during meal service. The sudden turbulence caused passengers to collide with overhead bins, and food and drinks were thrown around the cabin. As a result, ten passengers and four crew members suffered back and neck injuries. This incident highlights the dangers of unexpected turbulence, especially during critical phases of flight such as meal service.
A new study from the University of Reading shows that severe turbulence has increased by 55% over the past 40 years due to climate change. There has been a significant rise in clear-air turbulence, which is invisible and dangerous for aircraft, especially over the North Atlantic. These changes are associated with the rising air temperatures caused by CO2 emissions.
Unfortunately for travelers, scientists warn that the problem will only worsen as climate change continues to escalate. The changing weather patterns are expected to lead to more instances of extreme turbulence, making it a growing concern for the aviation industry.
This incident is part of a worrying trend of increasing turbulence-related injuries. Earlier this year, shocking footage provided to the New Zealand Herald showed an Air New Zealand passenger being carried into an ambulance after turbulence broke his leg while he was on his way to the bathroom. Similarly, passengers on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Milan were carried off in stretchers after experiencing a very turbulent flight.
Given the increasing frequency of these dangerous events, passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened at all times when seated, even if the seatbelt sign is off. This precaution can significantly reduce the risk of injury during unexpected turbulence.