Passengers and crew of Malaysian Airlines flight MH1 injured as aircraft hits turbulence

At least 34 passengers and six crew members sustained injuries when a Malaysian Airlines flight from London to Kuala Lumpur hit severe turbulence on 5 June. Around 378 passengers were on board MH1 when it experienced extreme turbulence, but landed safely at Kuala Lumpur airport.

According to the airline, "Some passengers suffered minor injuries". However, a number of passengers took to social media and shared that they were taken to hospitals for their injuries.

They also posted images from the aircraft after the incident. The images showed food trolleys collapsed in the isle, while other objects littered the passageway and broken tray tables and overhead lockers.

One passenger, Harith Azman, who was on board MH1 along with his family, wrote on Facebook, "I was one of the passengers in the plane and I think the pilot did the best they could to take us all home safely. My parents were in the toilet at that time and my father hit his head on the ceiling of the plane. The plane went into a very bad weather and causes the plane to free fall. The food weren't served because the trolley was damaged."

"It was very scary and chaotic at that time as it was a very sudden move," Harith told The Standard. He added, "There were also children in the plane who were sleeping and most of them woke up with terror and cried. I passed out as soon as the plane regained control. I sprained my ankle as all the passengers floated in the air for about 10 seconds. I dropped back onto my seat and landed wrongly and caused my ankle to sprain."

Malaysian Airlines released a statement in the wake of the incident. The statement said: "Malaysia Airlines flight MH1 from London-Heathrow landed on time in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday June 5.

"During the flight over the Bay of Bengal the passenger seatbelt light was switched on due to air turbulence. Due to a brief moment of severe turbulence some passengers suffered minor injuries."

"Medical crew and Malaysia Airlines senior management met the aircraft on arrival in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). A small number of affected passengers and crew have been treated by medical officers. Malaysia Airlines has assisted the 378 passengers and crew onboard MH1 and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by this weather event which was entirely beyond our control," the statement read.