7 hurt on American Airlines jet; plane diverts to Canada

ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland (AP) – Seven people were taken for medical evaluation after an American Airlines plane from Miami to Milan made an emergency landing in Newfoundland after the jet briefly encountered severe turbulence, airline officials said.

The aircraft landed safely late Sunday in the East Coast Canadian province, where it was met by paramedics.

Three flight attendants and four passengers were transported to hospital for further evaluation, American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said. None of the injuries was life-threatening, he said.

The seat belt light was on when the Boeing 767 carrying 192 passengers and 11 crew members encountered turbulence.

At least four ambulances and a fire truck were seen on the tarmac in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Paramedics rushed toward the plane with stretchers and what appeared to be a backboard.

An hour after the plane landed, one ambulance remained.

Feinstein said the airline is working on next steps to get the uninjured passengers to Milan.

Sara Norris, a spokeswoman for St. John’s airport, said the plane will stay in St. John’s overnight.