Travel
3 Patients Treated For Air Turbulence Injuries At Austin Airport
Medics descended to travel hub Wednesday evening in one of busiest travel days for air travel amid daylong severe weather.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Medics responded to the Austin airport Wednesday evening amid reports of injuries to passengers following air turbulence.
Austin-Travis County EMS medics responded to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport just before 5:20 p.m. with three ambulances. Upon arrival, three patients were evaluated with the extent of their injuries unclear, and no further details were provided. Others on the plane reportedly also were injured.
The aircraft reportedly was traveling from Mexico to Dallas but had to be diverted due to air turbulence, airport officials said. The pilot was able to land the plane safely and taxied it to the gate, where it was met by EMS and fire crews, according to reports.
Find out what's happening in East Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Medics reported 73 people were aboard the aircraft. One of the three who were medically evaluated declined transport to the hospital, and two others were rushed to the emergency room for treatment of injuries not deemed life-threatening, medics said.
The incident comes in the midst of one of the busiest travel days of the year as travelers return from Christmas travel. The turbulence also comes in the midst of severe weather that descended upon the Central-South Texas region the day after Christmas Day.
Find out what's happening in East Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch will update when more details are known.
FINAL Berstrom International Airport: 73 people on-board plane. On scene #ATCEMS states 3 patients evaluated. One patient will be a refusal and #ATCEMSMedics will transport two patients to the ER with non life threatening injuries. No further information is available from ATCEMS.
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 27, 2018
UPDATE Bergstrom International Airport: On scene #ATCEMS Command has accessed the plane and is reporting 2 patients for evaluation by #ATCEMSMedics. Unknown severity of injuries, evaluations are underway. More information to follow.
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 27, 2018
Multiple assets from #ATCEMS & @AustinFireInfo responding to Bergstrom International Airport (17:18) Inbound plane with possible multiple patients from turbulence. 3 ambulances and 2 commanders responding. More information to follow.
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 26, 2018
#ATXWx info: @NWSSanAntonio increased the level to an "enhanced risk" for severe weather this afternoon thru Thurs morning. Austin/Travis County could see 2-3" of rain, damaging winds, hail, & possible isolated tornado threat. Be weather aware & stay tuned to changing weather pic.twitter.com/TH4msqsHWm
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 26, 2018
>>> Image via Shutterstock
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