UK-bound flight diverts to Bermuda on Christmas Eve with injured passengers

The Ministry of National Security in Bermuda is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the diversion of a United Kingdom-bound flight to Bermuda on Christmas Eve. 

Reports are that nearly a dozen passengers on board the flight sustained injuries during the turbulent ordeal.

Emergency response

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that emergency services responded to the situation, transporting 11 passengers to a local hospital. 

Nine of the injured passengers have already been released after receiving medical treatment.

Turbulence forces emergency landing

Reports are that the incident occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. when Maleth Aero Flight 1975, an Airbus A300-200, en route from Barbados to Manchester, encountered severe turbulence mid-flight. 

An emergency landing was made at LF Wade International Airport in Bermuda.

Controlled landing amidst turbulence

Despite the challenging conditions, the highly skilled flight crew executed a controlled landing on the island. 

At the time of the diversion, the aircraft was carrying 225 passengers and had a crew consisting of 13 members. 

As part of the emergency response, emergency medical technicians from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service were on hand to greet the aircraft, providing initial assessments of the passengers and delivering pre-hospital care.

Safety first: Comprehensive inspection underway

Ensuring the safety of passengers remains a top priority. As part of this commitment, the Ministry of National Security has announced that the aircraft will be temporarily grounded. 

This grounding will continue until a thorough and comprehensive inspection is completed to confirm the integrity of the Airbus A300-200.