A TRAVELLER has told of how her flight back home erupted into “sheer chaos” after the plane started plummeting.
The woman says she was jetting back to Manchester when the P&O charter plane hit what’s been described as “freak turbulence”, injuring 11 people.
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She’s likened the horror to a rollercoaster, and says it was “so scary”.
The woman, who has not been named, said she was about two hours into her flight back from Barbados when the plane started plummeting – and it felt like it was “just going to keep dropping”.
She told the Manchester Evening News: “We were about two hours into the flight and everything was fine – some people were sitting down, but some were in the toilets and staff were serving drinks.
“Then all of a sudden the plane literally just dropped.”
The woman, who had been on a Caribbean cruise with her partner, said there had been no warning from the cabin or crew that there could be turbulence.
She claimed the cabin filled with passengers’ screams and its lights started flickering.
The P&O Caribbean cruise charter flight was quickly grounded, and touched down in Bermuda.
Eleven people were raced to hospital with injuries but nine had already been discharged yesterday.
The passengers also had to miss Christmas at home with their families and were left staying in hotels.
The woman said: “I know it is unforeseen but our flights keep getting changed and we don’t really know what is happening.”
P&O Cruises added: “A flight from Barbados to Manchester was diverted to Bermuda earlier yesterday morning following freak (unexpected) turbulence.
“Having explored all flying options and due to airport operating times, guests are in hotels today [25 December].
“The flight home is due to depart tomorrow morning, 26 December, following required legislative aircraft checks.
“We are very sorry for this disruption to their journey following their holiday and we are working with the airline and hotels to take care of them and ensure they get home as soon as possible tomorrow.”
Bermuda’s acting minister of National Security, Owen Darrell, added: “We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to ensure the well-being of all involved.
“We are extremely grateful for the quick response of all our emergency services personnel who ensured the safety of the passengers and crew.”
