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"We thought it was the end"

"We thought it was the end"

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
"We thought it was the end"
"We thought it was the end"

Rewritten Article:

A harrowing ordeal on Emirates Flight EK421 - "We genuinely thought it was the end"

A multitude of passengers and crew members endured injuries aboard Emirates flight EK421 from Perth (Australia) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) as their Airbus A380 encountered unforeseen severe turbulence, causing violent shaking.

The flight path for EK421 travels from Perth across the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, ultimately landing in Dubai

As recounted by passengers, the incident was nothing short of terrifying. Those who couldn't buckle their seatbelts promptly enough collided with the ceiling. Various objects, including dishes, glasses, luggage, and magazines, were sent hurling through the cabin.

Social media posts featured photographs of the ravaged cabin ceiling, into which many passengers had impacted their heads

Twitch gamer and passenger @MattRPD shared a chilling account on X (formerly Twitter): "Had the most harrowing return flight from Perth to Dubai. We genuinely thought it was the end when we hit the ceiling twice." After landing, MattRPD was diagnosed with a neck fracture and was taken to the hospital.

MattRPD shared this image from his Dubai hospital bed

Passenger Abi voiced her sentiments on X: "I despise flying. The pilot announced turbulence and told us to sit down. The next moment, I and other passengers were slammed into the ceiling. Look at the hairline crack, where you can see my hair."

Abi's black hair could be seen stuck in the cabin ceiling crack

Crew members rendered first aid to the injured onboard, with several passengers who were also medical professionals (doctors, nurses, nurses) assisting. There was support from ground doctors via a satellite connection, and at least one passenger required oxygen supply.

Feel free to share your app-based fears regarding flight experiences through the survey here: My biggest fears on board an airplane are...

An Emirates spokesperson acknowledged the incident but downplayed its severity. As stated by the spokesperson, "We can confirm that flight EK421 from Perth to Dubai briefly encountered unexpected turbulence during the flight on December 4." Medical checks were carried out both onboard and following landing by medical teams around 4.45am local time for 14 passengers.

Ultimately, EK421 successfully landed in Dubai, with the injured passengers and crew members receiving necessary medical attention.

Further Reading

The traumatized Airbus A380 involved in the incident was piloted by Emirates, as indicated in the EK421 flight number. Wealthy investor Michael Quandt was also reportedly a passenger on the Emirates A380 during the emergency landing. Throughout history, airplanes similar to the A380 have been involved in numerous airplane accidents, though this incident was marked by the extreme intensity of the turbulence.

Relevant Enrichment Data

Severe turbulence in commercial flights is primarily caused by various atmospheric conditions, such as:

  1. Mountainous Terrain - Higher terrain and mountains force air to rise and fall, resulting in turbulent conditions.
  2. Jet Stream - The location and strength of the jet stream, a fast-moving air band, can amplify turbulence, particularly during winter months.
  3. Thunderstorms - Thunderstorms can trigger turbulent episodes, including clear air turbulence (CAT), which can occur in cloudless regions and can be severe.
  4. Crosswinds - High crosswind levels at airports can lead to challenging landings, even with minimal turbulence.
  5. Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) - This type of turbulence occurs in cloudless regions and can be especially problematic because it often lacks visual clues and can be encountered unexpectedly.

While passengers cannot prevent turbulence, they can take measures to prepare and stay safe during incidents:

  1. Fasten Seatbelts - Ensure your seatbelt is always fastened while seated. This is the most effective way to protect yourself during turbulence.
  2. Stay Calm - Turbulence is a common occurrence during flights. Staying calm and following the flight crew's instructions can help reduce anxiety.
  3. Follow Crew Instructions - Listen carefully to and adhere to the instructions given by the flight crew. They are trained to manage turbulence and ensure passenger safety.
  4. Be Prepared for Unexpected Movements - Stay seated with your seatbelt fastened and avoid moving around the cabin unless absolutely necessary.
  5. Stay Informed - Pay attention to announcements from the captain and crew regarding turbulence. This information can help you stay informed and prepared for what might occur.

By understanding the causes of turbulence and taking these precautions, passengers can better prepare for and navigate through turbulent flights.

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