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A passenger plane flying from Houston to London was forced to an emergency landing at Shannon airport in southwest Ireland, due to strong turbulence after which 23 people were injured.

The passenger plane belonging to the American company United Airlines was forced to an emergency landing because of “severe and unexpected turbulence,” the company said in a statement.

The plane landed at Shannon Airport around 6:00 local time.

Twenty-one passengers and two crew members were injured; they were taken to the University Hospital in Limerick.

The victims on board suffered minor head injuries, bruises, and lacerations while a member of the crew is believed to have a fractured wrist.

Some of the people on the plane were not wearing seatbelts so they were tossed around while the plane was rapidly dropping from 30,000 feet.

Instead of being greeted by friends and family, the 223 passengers and 12 members of the staff were expected by paramedics and ambulance crews.

‘United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today. The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel. We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries’ stated the United Airlines company.

The 207 passengers that had no injuries will continue their journey in another airplane heading to London, later today.

The majority of the people involved in the incident were UK residents that were coming back from their holidays.