NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed a multi-disciplinary panel to probe the turbulence incident on SpiceJet’s Mumbai-Durgapur flight that took place on Sunday (May 1), leaving 15 people injured.
The airline says eight of the 11 hospitalised passengers have been discharged and that both the cockpit and cabin the crew had made multiple announcements asking flyers to remain seated with seat belts fastened when the Boeing 737 was experiencing turbulence.
In a tweet, aviation minister J M Scindia said on Monday: “The turbulence encountered by a flight while landing in Durgapur, and the damage caused to the passengers is unfortunate. The DGCA has deputed a team to investigate the incident. The matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness and deftness. More details on the cause(s) will be shared once the investigation is completed.”
A SpiceJet spokespersons said: “Eight of 11 hospitalised passengers have been discharged so far. SpiceJet is providing all possible help to the injured. The seat belt sign was on when the aircraft encountered turbulence. Multiple announcements were made by the pilots and the crew instructing passengers to remain seated and keep their seat belt fastened. Due to severe turbulence, injuries were caused to a few passengers. Timely medical assistance was provided upon arrival.”
SpiceJet Mumbai-Durgapur flight (SG-945) on May 1 had encountered severe turbulence during descent and some passengers had suffered injuries. However, the Boeing 737 had landed safely.
