Dozens of passengers injured following ‘severe’ turbulence during Air Europa flight

'Severe' turbulence during an Air Europa flight has resulted in 30 passengers reported injured, with some being treated for 'orthopaedic traumas'.

Flight UX045 had taken off from Madrid, Spain, and was heading for Montevideo, Uruguay, on Monday (1 July).

However, the plane was forced to land early in Natal airport, Brazil, after it ran into turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean.

The turbulence injured 30 passengers onboard the Air Europa flight. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which had 325 travellers on board, touched down safely in Natal airport at 2.30am local time.

Health officials in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte have said that 30 passengers are being treated for ‘minor abrasions or orthopaedic traumas’.

Pictures and videos that appear to be from the aftermath of the traumatic event have been shared on social media.

Several seats of the plane and the ceiling looked to be badly damaged while one clip showed what appeared to be blood splatters on a seat.

In another video, a woman could be seen wearing a neck brace, while others were being treated for injuries.

The airline said in a statement: “Our flight bound for Montevideo was diverted to Natal due to strong turbulence.

“The plane landed normally and those injured of varying severity are already being treated.”

The Air Europa passengers are now being treated for treated for ‘minor abrasions or orthopaedic traumas’. (X/@pichipastoso)

Juan, a passenger onboard the flight, told El Observador: "The sensation was terrifying, feeling like you were falling and that it was never going to end. And you were aware that you were falling at an incalculable speed.

"And you felt like it was going to end there, that you were going to die. Until we started to see on the screen that the plane was starting to rise."

Air Europa later shared another update, saying a second plane would be sent on Monday to pick up the passengers and continue the trip to Montevideo.

The airline said: [Translation] "We inform that our clients are moving to Recife, where they will stay and then travel to Montevideo.

"Natal was the airport that could serve passengers with medical needs the fastest. As it is not an Air Europa destination, company personnel travel to Natal and Recife also to provide better service to our clients. All people who have required healthcare are being treated in centers in Natal.

"Passengers will be notified with updated information about this operation. We will update with more information."

Tyla has reached out to Air Europa for further comment.

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