Five individuals were hospitalized after American Airlines Flight 1286 from Miami to Raleigh-Durham encountered severe turbulence on Sunday night (June 22). The flight landed safely at Raleigh-Durham International Airport around 11:30 p.m., where emergency services promptly attended to the injured, which included three flight attendants and two passengers.

The airline said that fasten seat belt sign was on when the turbulence hit, indicating that passengers and crew should have been securely fastened. However, some passengers disputed this, saying the sign was not illuminated. One passenger described the experience to WRAL as being "like being on the top of a roller coaster and going down," adding that it was "absolutely horrific" as personal items flew through the cabin.

The passengers were critical of the airline's response, noting a delay in communication from the pilot and questioning whether turbulence alone caused the injuries. Some passengers claimed to have seen lightning outside the plane, suggesting weather conditions might have contributed to the turbulence.

American Airlines has not confirmed any factors other than turbulence as the cause of the incident. The airline expressed gratitude for the professionalism of the crew and the understanding of the passengers during the ordeal. The affected individuals have since been released from the hospital, and the incident remains under investigation to determine the precise cause of the turbulence and subsequent injuries.

Morning Drive with Christie Live