A JetBlue flight traveling to Newark was diverted after a sudden drop in altitude, making an emergency landing in Tampa before multiple passengers were taken to the hospital.
The flight was traveling from Cancun, Mexico when it was diverted around 2 p.m. Thursday, landing about 20 minutes later at Tampa International Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Upon touching down, passengers and crewmembers were evaluated at the airport by medical personnel. Around 15-20 passengers were then taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, officials with Tampa Fire Rescue told Fox 13.
The plane’s pilots reportedly told air traffic operators that a “flight control issue” was behind the injuries. Air traffic audio from LiveATC.net captured a radio call that said, “We’ve got at least three people injured. It seems like maybe a laceration in the head.”
JetBlue said the Airbus A320 has been taken out of service for inspection, while the FAA is investigating what caused the drop in altitude.
“We will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause,” the airline said in a statement. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”
