Eight people have landed in hospital after a flight from Brisbane was hit with severe turbulence during meal service.
Cathay Pacific flight CX156 was travelling from Brisbane to Hong Kong on Saturday when it encountered turbulence.
It is understood that about two hours before landing time, as flight attendants were preparing for meal service, there was a sudden drop.
In images shared on social media, galley carts can be seen toppled, surrounded by food and drink on the floor, and coffee can be seen splashed on the ceiling.
One passenger said the turbulence felt like “free-falling from a drop tower”, as reported by Simple Flying, with other reports saying it lasted a few seconds.
They added that there was widespread panic among passengers as the mid-air scare broke out.
Upon landing at Hong Kong International Airport about 6.45am local time, the Airbus A350-941 was met by fire trucks and ambulances, with medical personnel boarding the aircraft.
Six crew members and four passengers sustained minor injuries, eight of whom were taken to hospital.
The other two received medical attention at the airport.
In an image shared to social media, one person could be seen wearing a neck brace as they were wheeled into the back of an ambulance.
It is understood that no one sustained life-threatening injuries.
Cathay Pacific confirmed the incident to Simple Flying.
“Flight CX156 from Brisbane to Hong Kong on 22 May encountered turbulence,” the airline said.
“The flight arrived in Hong Kong at 06:45 am local time. Medical personnel boarded the aircraft to assess the conditions of a small number of passengers and crew who reported feeling unwell, and they were provided with the utmost level of care.”
It is understood that about 240 people were on board at the time, two of whom were Australians.
The cause of the turbulence has not yet been determined.
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