TWENTY THREE people were injured after 'unexpected turbulence' forced a transatlantic flight to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport.
Twelve people were taken to a Univerity Hospital Limerick hospital upon arrival at the airport, while other passengers and crew were treated at the airport.
Staff at University Hospital Limerick were notified at approximately 5.30am.
The United Airlines flight UA-880 touched down at the airport just before 6am this morning.
The flight was en route from Houston, Texas to London Heathrow.
A total of 12 people were transported to hospital, nine adults and three children. Two of the 12 were crew members.
A statement from the airline said:
"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel,
"United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today,"
The Boeing 767-300 jet had 207 passengers and crew of 13 on board.
A statement from the hospital has now confirmed that one patient is still being assessed and the remaining 11 have been discharged.
Hospital staff are working with the airline to transport the passengers back to Shannon Airport to continue their onward journey to London.
Flight track of #UA880 diversion to @ShannonAirport after passengers and crew injured by severe #turbulencehttps://t.co/j82Nli7KVO
— Josh Mainka (@JoshMainka) August 31, 2016
*This story was amended on 31/08/2016. The original story said 16 people were taken to hospital, University Hospital Limerick later confirmed while many people were treated at the scene, only 12 were taken to hospital
