8 hospitalized after Florida flight encounters ‘sudden severe turbulence’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA) — Eight people were hospitalized Monday after being injured during rough skies on a flight to Florida.

JetBlue flight 1256 experienced “sudden severe turbulence” as it approached Florida from Guayaquil, Ecuador, according to a statement from the airline.

Medical crews responded to the plane after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Seven passengers and one flight crew member were taken to the hospital.

In a statement, a JetBlue spokesperson said the airline is working to support their customers and crew members. The plane involved in the incident is out of service pending an inspection.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it has opened an investigation into the incident.