Five hospitalized after turbulence on American Airlines flight

NARITA, Japan, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Five people were hospitalized with injuries Tuesday after turbulence forced an American Airlines flight en route from Seoul to Dallas to divert to an airport in Japan.

A bad winter storm was to blame for the rough skies, which prompted an emergency landing in Narita, near Tokyo.

There were 255 people on board the plane, including 15 crew members. Four passengers and one crew member were taken to a local hospital in Japan for evaluation of non life-threatening injuries. A total of 14 people were injured.

"Medical personnel have been able to evaluate all passengers and crew members asking for medical attention. Four passengers and one crew member have been transported to local hospitals for further observation and treatment. None of the injuries are life-threatening," a statement from American Airlines said. "American Airlines Flight 280 will not continue on to DFW today. Passengers have been transported to hotels and will continue their travel to DFW tomorrow. Our team in Tokyo will continue to provide all necessary support to take care of our passengers and crew."

One passenger, Dallas-based attorney Marc Stanley, told the Dallas Morning News the plane experienced "45-plus minutes of insane turbulence."