Several passengers were injured onboard a JetBlue flight from Mexico to New Jersey, after the aircraft suffered a flight control issue and was forced to make an emergency landing.
The Airbus 320 was heading to Newark Liberty International Airport from Cancun International Airport when it was forced to divert to Tampa, Florida, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The flight landed in Florida at around 2:20 p.m. ET Thursday.
JetBlue said the aircraft experienced a drop in altitude and the “flight was met by medical personnel who evaluated customers and crew members, and those needing additional care were transported to a local hospital.”
The airline did not immediately say how many people were injured, though pilots told air traffic control that at least three people were injured with possible lacerations following the incident, ABC reported.
Conditions on the flight had been mild, and the disruption was caused by the flight control issue which the FAA is now investigating.
Following the sudden landing in Florida, the aircraft was removed from service for inspection. JetBlue said it would also conduct its own investigation into the cause of the issue.
“The safety of our customers and crew members is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved,” JetBlue said in a statement shared with Reuters.
In a statement, the FAA said: “JetBlue Airlines Flight 1230 diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2:00 p.m. local time on Oct. 30 after the crew experienced a flight control issue.
“The Airbus 320 left Cancun International Airport and was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA is investigating.”
The Independent has contacted JetBlue for further information about the incident and for an update on the condition of the passengers who were injured.
