By Benjamin L. Vergara
AT least 12 people were rushed to hospital on Sunday night after Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight PR113 encountered severe turbulence two hours before its arrival in Manila from Los Angeles.
PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna confirmed that nine passengers and three crew members were injured.
Villaluna said that as of August 29, one passenger remained confined at the hospital.
She said that PAL shouldered the medical expenses of the affected passengers, most of whom were seniors.
Villaluna said that "upon arrival of the flight in Manila at 10:30 p.m. [on] August 28, the injured passengers and crew were brought immediately to the hospital by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport medical team, accompanied by PAL ground staff."
"This turbulence was not detectable on the aircraft's onboard weather radar station system, hence there was no advance warning. We affirm that safety is our top priority and that Philippine Airlines is fully cooperating with the concerned airport and aviation authorities," Villaluna said.
A passenger who posted his experience on Facebook said that the injured were not wearing seat belts when the incident happened.
The passenger identified as George Angel, also said, "[The] pilot did not even warn passengers of turbulence."
Turbulence can be caused by many different conditions — wind, storms, jet steam and objects near the plane, such as mountain ranges.
