A tranquil Sunday afternoon flight from Missouri to Texas turned chaotic when passengers experienced unexpected violent turbulence.

According to People, a United Airlines flight carrying 32 people was forced to make an emergency landing at Waco Regional Airport after severe turbulence left five passengers with non-life-threatening injuries on March 2.

The incident occurred on United Flight 5690, operated by SkyWest Airlines, which departed from Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured passengers to local hospitals for medical evaluation. The remaining passengers found themselves stranded at the airport, contemplating their next travel arrangements.

Emergency response teams mobilize at Waco Regional Airport

Local emergency services demonstrated remarkable efficiency in handling the situation. The Waco Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management quickly arrived at the scene to provide necessary assistance.

Medical personnel conducted thorough evaluations of all passengers involved in the incident. The emergency response highlighted the importance of having well-coordinated crisis management protocols at regional airports.

SkyWest Airlines, which operated the flight under the United Express banner, released an official statement addressing the situation.

According to Ryan Dirker, emergency management coordinator for McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, the flight carried 29 passengers and three crew members. The airline's primary focus remained on ensuring proper medical care for affected passengers while working to arrange alternative transportation for all travelers.

The flight's unexpected detour created a ripple effect at Waco Regional Airport. Two additional American Airlines flights, originally bound for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, also diverted to Waco during the same evening. This series of diversions tested the airport's capacity to handle multiple unexpected arrivals simultaneously.

Technical assessment and flight investigation underway

Interim Director of Aviation Michael A. Reisman provided insight into the immediate aftermath of the incident. The aircraft will undergo a thorough mechanical inspection at Waco Regional Airport.

Technical teams will spend approximately one to two days examining the plane to ensure its airworthiness before returning it to service.

FlightAware data revealed interesting details about the flight's timeline. The plane departed Springfield seven minutes ahead of schedule at 4:48 p.m. Despite the turbulence and emergency landing, the flight touched down in Waco at 6:28 p.m., remarkably 32 minutes earlier than its scheduled arrival time at the original destination of Houston Bush International Airport.

SkyWest Airlines emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and comfort in their statement to PEOPLE:

SkyWest flight 5690, operating as United Express from Springfield, MO to Houston, landed safely at Waco Regional Airport after experiencing turbulence. Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital. SkyWest and United are making sure the injured customers get the care they need and are working to line up new transportation options for everyone on this flight.

Passenger assistance and travel arrangements move forward

Airline officials immediately began working on alternative travel arrangements for the affected passengers. The sudden diversion left many travelers facing unexpected delays and requiring new flight bookings. Both SkyWest and United Airlines collaborated to minimize disruption to passenger travel plans.

The incident highlighted the airlines' emergency protocols and passenger care procedures. Staff members worked diligently to ensure all travelers received the necessary support and information about their modified travel arrangements. The situation demonstrated the importance of having flexible contingency plans for unexpected flight diversions.

Communication between airline staff and stranded passengers became crucial during this period. Regular updates about alternative transportation options helped ease passenger concerns. The airlines' response emphasized their commitment to maintaining transparent communication during challenging situations.

Final developments and next steps

The March 2 turbulence incident on United Airlines Flight 5690 resulted in five passengers requiring hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines, made an emergency landing at Waco Regional Airport after encountering severe air turbulence during its journey from Springfield to Houston.

While the aircraft underwent mechanical inspection at Waco Regional Airport, SkyWest and United Airlines continued coordinating medical care for injured passengers and arranging alternative transportation for all 32 passengers aboard the flight. The incident sparked a series of flight diversions to Waco, demonstrating the airport's capability to handle multiple emergency situations simultaneously.