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Passengers, crew hospitalized after turbulent United flight lands in Ireland

United Airlines Flight UA-880 was on its way to London's Heathrow Airport.

By Ed Adamczyk
United Airlines flight UA-880, from Houston to London, was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, Wednesday after experiencing severe turbulence. At least 12 people were hospitalized. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
United Airlines flight UA-880, from Houston to London, was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, Wednesday after experiencing severe turbulence. At least 12 people were hospitalized. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

SHANNON , Ireland, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- At least a dozen people were hospitalized Wednesday after a United Airlines flight from Houston to London was diverted to Ireland due to severe turbulence.

Flight UA-880, a Boeing 767-300 jet with 207 passengers and 13 crew members aboard, landed safely following "severe and unexpected turbulence," the airline said in a statement.

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United said 14 passengers and two crew members were hospitalized, but the Health Service Executive Ireland, the country's government public health agency, said 12 were taken to University Hospital Limerick, and 11 were discharged.

There were no reports of damage to the plane, which was on its way to London's Heathrow Airport.

"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel. United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880," the airline statement said.

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