An IndiGo flight traveling from New Delhi to Srinagar encountered a life-threatening situation when a sudden hailstorm hit mid-flight. Passengers screamed and prayed as the aircraft jolted violently, leaving them fearing for their lives.
Sheikh Samiullah, a frequent flier and one of the terrified passengers, described the chaos on board. Following the pilot's instructions to fasten seatbelts, the turbulence escalated rapidly, causing the jet to plunge dramatically. "They were calling their gods, we were calling our gods," he recalled, highlighting the frightful scenario shared by everyone on board.
The distressing ride lasted around five to six harrowing minutes during which passengers feared a crash as the plane soared and plummeted. Samiullah, who captured the scene on video, noted the uncertainty as passengers expressed disbelief at the prospect of a safe landing.
Gratefully, after such tumult, the aircraft managed to land safely in Srinagar around 20 minutes after the storm hit. However, signage of the ordeal was evident; a substantial segment of the plane's nose had been torn off due to hail damage, a startling sight for disembarking passengers.
IndiGo confirmed the incident and stated that proper emergency protocols were followed during the ordeal. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regards hail and turbulence as particularly dangerous during thunderstorms, noting that hailstones can be large enough to inflict significant damage on aircraft in an instant.
In related aviation news, turbulence continues to pose risks; a recent incident involving a Singapore Airlines flight resulted in passenger injuries and loss of life, emphasizing the ongoing challenges pilots face during adverse weather conditions.
Reported by Jenny Gross, FlashPoint’s coverage highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures and ongoing vigilance against such atmospheric hazards.
