JetBlue passengers were taken to the hospital after a sudden altitude drop on a flight from Mexico forced an emergency landing in Florida on Thursday, according to officials.
The flight, which originated in Cancun and was heading to Newark, New Jersey, experienced the altitude drop mid-air. As a result, the Airbus A320 was diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Air traffic audio from LiveATC.net captured a radio call reporting, “We’ve got at least three people injured. It seems like maybe a laceration in the head.” The plane has 162 seats, according to JetBlue’s website.
Medical officials evaluated passengers and crewmembers at the airport before some were transported to nearby hospitals, according to JetBlue. The airline did not immediately respond to questions about the number of people injured or the severity of their injuries.
In a statement, JetBlue said, “Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause. The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”
In a related incident in June, a JetBlue flight landing at Boston’s Logan International Airport rolled off the runway and into the grass. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the runway was temporarily closed.
Flight disruptions have been growing recently as air traffic controllers face increased pressure, leading to missed checks and other challenges in the aviation system.
https://www.wptv.com/us-news/jetblue-passengers-hospitalized-after-emergency-landing-in-florida