Passenger Injured and Crew Member Tossed in Severe Turbulence on Air New Zealand Flight

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Passenger Injured and Crew Member Tossed in Severe Turbulence on Air New Zealand Flight

Turbulence Strikes, Causing Chaos:

On June 16, an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Queenstown experienced severe turbulence, causing dramatic in-flight incidents. As the Airbus A320 soared through the sky, intense turbulence hit, leading to a flight attendant being thrown to the ceiling and a passenger scalded by hot coffee. 

Unexpected Mid-Air Turbulence:

Just 15 minutes into the flight, the turbulence struck unexpectedly. The beverage cart was in the aisle when the aircraft suddenly jolted. One flight attendant was hurled upward, and coffee pot lids came off, spilling hot coffee onto a passenger named Suze.

Passenger’s Painful Ordeal:

Suze described her ordeal, saying she felt helpless and strapped in while dealing with severe burns on her abdomen and back. In a desperate attempt to alleviate the pain, she managed to grab a bottle of cold water and poured it over herself. Suze also sought permission from the fallen flight attendant to continue using water to cool the burns.

Immediate Medical Assistance:

Fortunately, a paramedic was seated directly behind Suze and immediately offered medical assistance. Upon landing, both Suze and the injured crew member were taken to Lake District Hospital in moderate condition for further treatment.

Calls for Safety Improvements:

Following the incident, Suze urged Air New Zealand to reconsider serving hot drinks on short flights and to improve the design of their coffee pot lids to prevent future accidents. Her experience highlighted the potential dangers of severe turbulence and the need for enhanced safety measures.

Air New Zealand’s Response:

Captain David Morgan, Air New Zealand’s Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer, stated that the airline is reviewing its procedures to ensure passenger and crew safety. He emphasized that the airline prioritizes safety and that their crew is trained to handle various levels of turbulence. Captain Morgan also mentioned that clear-air turbulence, which is unpredictable and invisible, can sometimes occur, making it challenging for flight crews.

Ensuring Future Safety:

Air New Zealand is committed to constantly updating its safety procedures in line with international best practices and regulations. The airline aims to provide the highest safety standards for both passengers and crew members.

Conclusion:

The severe turbulence on the Air New Zealand flight resulted in significant injuries to a passenger and a crew member. This incident underscores the unpredictability of turbulence and the importance of rigorous safety protocols. Air New Zealand's commitment to reviewing and enhancing their procedures aims to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on board.

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