Hit by Turbulence, US-Bound Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Japan

After facing severe turbulence, a U.S.-bound plane made an emergency landing in Tokyo in the early hours of Wednesday.

Many passengers have sustained injuries as well when the American Airlines plane was tossed around when it faced a strong winter storm.

American Airlines Flight 280, which is a Boeing 777-200 was flying from Incheon in South Korea to Dallas/Fort Worth airport in the United States. It was flying over Japan when it suddenly dropped and was tossed for about 30 to 40 seconds.

"We were eating and all the food just flew up in the air and pretty much bounced off and fell. There were carts all over the place," one passenger told TV Tokyo, The Guardian reports.

The aircraft landed shortly after midnight Wednesday at Tokyo's Narita airport.

The airline informed that even though none of the injuries sustained by the passengers were life-threatening, five of the passengers had to be referred to a hospital for treatment.

The turbulence hit the flight around 75 minutes after it took off. It was so severe that food was thrown around the cabin and panic-stricken passengers fearing for life.

"We were eating and all the food just flew up in the air and pretty much bounced off and fell. There were carts all over the place," a passenger told the local media.

A male flight attendant was also thrown to the ceiling due to which he hurt his head severely.

"Medical personnel have been able to evaluate all passengers and crew members asking for medical attention. Four passengers and one crew member have been transported to local hospitals for further observation and treatment," said the airline, BBC reports.

The flight is expected to head for the United States later in the day, Dec. 17.