JetBlue Turbulence Hospitalizes 24

(RTTNews) - A JetBlue Airways (JBLU) flight from Boston to Sacramento experienced rough turbulence Thursday evening, causing injuries to 22 passengers and two crew members.

JetBlue Flight 429 took off from Logan International Airport at 5.25 pm enroute to Sacramento. Following the turbulence, the aircraft was diverted and forced to land in Rapid City, South Dakota at about 7.30 pm.

Passengers flew out of their seats, with several of them hitting their heads into the ceiling and overhead compartments as the plane dropped violently. Bad weather conditions are believed to have played a role in causing the turbulence.

JetBlue provided water for the passengers after the aircraft landed in Rapid City and the airport provided blankets.

A spokesperson for the Rapid City Regional Hospital said 24 people from the flight were treated and released, all with minor injuries. The passengers able to continue to Sacramento boarded a replacement aircraft later to finish their journey.

JetBlue apologized to the passengers on flight 429 and offered them a service credit in the amount of the round-trip fare paid or $200, whichever is greater.