Five United Passengers Injured After Turbulence Forces Emergency Landing in Waco

A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas, on Sunday after severe turbulence left five passengers injured and in need of hospital care.

United Airlines Flight 5690, operated by SkyWest on a CRJ-200 aircraft, had taken off from Springfield, Missouri, just before 5 p.m. The flight, originally bound for Houston, landed in Waco at approximately 6:30 p.m., according to flight tracking data from FlightAware.

"Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries," SkyWest said in a statement. The airline added that they were ensuring all passengers received proper care and had dispatched another aircraft to complete the journey to Houston.

The turbulent conditions were attributed to strong storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to FOX 26 Houston. The regional news outlet also reported that there were 31 individuals onboard the flight, including 28 passengers.

In a broader weather-related ripple effect, multiple flights were diverted to Waco on Sunday due to the stormy conditions impacting the region. Waco, situated 90 miles north of Austin and 90 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, became an unexpected temporary hub for weather-stranded travelers.

While turbulence is not uncommon, it’s not every day that it sends five people to the hospital. Let’s just say these passengers will have quite the story to tell at dinner parties—and a newfound respect for their seatbelt signs.