Malaysian Airways in clear air turbulence 'a small number' of passengers injured.

Overhead bins and debris 'everywhere' following clear air turbulence incident

Julian Bray writes: A 'packed' Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) (as it is now known following financial reconstruction)  Airbus A380 aircraft  was subjected to severe clear-air turbulence earlier today (Sunday) which reportedly left 'a small number' of passengers and crew members injured, as the aircraft violently lurched in clear-air turbulence.


Flight MH1, an Airbus A380 aircraft en route to Kuala Lumpur from London, was hit by clear-air turbulence over the Bay of Bengal.  The aircraft was carrying 378 people. In a press statement, Malaysia Airlines later confirmed the incident.

The airline said the incident happened unexpectedly over the Bay of Bengal, and the passenger seatbelt light was then switched on due to clear- air turbulence, but underplayed the injuries caused.


"Due to a brief moment of severe turbulence, some passengers suffered minor injuries," said the statement. The airline confirmed that both a medical traumas crew together with Malaysia Airlines senior management met the aircraft on arrival at 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."


Meanwhile, images on social media show a Malaysia Airlines aircraft galley in disarray with heavy food trolleys strewn across the floor, as a result of the incident.


Also shown was  damage to some passenger overhead bins, which appear to be cracked.  The passenger cabin was also seen with debris strewn across the aisle


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