Avianca flight diverts to Miami after severe turbulence, with differing hospital counts

Avianca Flight 42 landed safely in Miami after severe turbulence on its Medellín–New York route. The airline said nine people had injuries or related health issues, while local reports counted eight hospital transports.

The flight was travelling from Medellín, Colombia, to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport when it diverted to Miami International Airport. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it landed safely at about 3:30 a.m. Friday.

The counts differed across reports. Airline officials told CBS that three crew members and six passengers experienced injuries or health issues linked to the turbulence. A separate CBS Miami report citing Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said eight people were taken to hospital, a figure also reported by Local 10. The extent of any injuries was not immediately known.

Passenger Maria Paula Jimenez told CBS she saw several ambulances waiting as the plane arrived. Avianca said airport staff were helping the other passengers make arrangements to continue to New York.

The Federal Aviation Administration told CBS Miami it would investigate. CBS’s national report described nine people as having been taken to hospital, while local emergency-service reporting counted eight transports.