Dozens injured as Delta flight hits turbulence at 37,000 feet, diverts to Twin Cities

Tim Harlow, Star Tribune on Jul 31, 2025

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MINNEAPOLIS — A Delta flight heading from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam encountered “significant” turbulence after take off Wednesday, sending beverage carts and other items flying through the cabin and leaving at least 25 people hurt.

Nine of the injured were taken to Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis after the Airbus A330-900 diverted to the Twin Cities and landed safely at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, according to hospital spokeswoman Christine Hill.

The victims were treated and released, she said.

The MSP Airport Fire Department and paramedics were on hand to evaluate the initial medical needs of passengers and crew members, according to the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Delta Flight 56 had been in the air about 40 minutes and climbed to 37,000 feet where it met turbulence the airline described as “significant.” The plane reached a maximum altitude of 38,075 at 5:23 p.m., before nosediving about 2,300 feet in two minutes. The aircraft returned to 37,000 and continued on to Minneapolis, according to Flightradar24.com.

“There’s a moment we thought we were going down,” passenger Leeann Nash told ABC News. “I’m still shaking about it. It was very scary.”

Nash said one woman hit the ceiling twice. Another passenger said carts and bottles were tossed about.

The plane carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members landed safely in Minneapolis at about 7:50 p.m., according to the FAA, which said it will investigate.

Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly. It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms. Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear, the FAA said.

“While turbulence is normal and happens often, it can be dangerous,” the FAA said. “Its bumpy ride can cause passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be thrown from their seats without warning.

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