Seven people were injured, none seriously, after a United Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to New York City experienced heavy winds and turbulence. The plane, United Airlines Flight 85, was forced to land at New York Stewart International Airport instead of Newark due to the weather conditions. Seven passengers were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries such as nausea, motion sickness, and chest pain. The Boeing 787 had a total of 319 people on board at the time of the incident.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus thanked the first responders for their quick and efficient actions in assisting the passengers during the challenging situation. The collaboration of emergency personnel helped alleviate the stress and difficulty of the unexpected landing on Good Friday evening. The injuries sustained by passengers were not serious, but they wanted to be checked out as a precaution following the turbulent flight.
The plane was able to refuel at New York Stewart International Airport before continuing its journey to Newark Liberty International Airport. Despite the delay and detour, United Airlines confirmed that the flight eventually reached its original destination safely. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey officer provided details on the incident, ensuring that all passengers and crew were accounted for.
New York Stewart International Airport, located in New Windsor, is approximately 60 miles north of Newark Airport. The unexpected landing and subsequent medical evaluations for the injured passengers were well-handled by local emergency services. Chief of Operations for New Windsor EMS, Michael Bigg, confirmed that all injuries were minor and that the individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for further evaluation.
Overall, the incident involving United Airlines Flight 85 was swiftly addressed by emergency responders, ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members on board. Despite the turbulence and high winds that prompted the landing at an alternative airport, the situation was managed effectively. The collaborative efforts of first responders and airline staff helped minimize the impact of the unexpected circumstances on a busy holiday weekend. Jay Blackman contributed to the report on the incident.
