Turbulence rocks Houston-bound flight, five sent to hospital: 'We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers'

An international United Airlines (UA) flight from Rio de Janeiro to Houston’s George Bush International Airport (IAH) encountered unexpected turbulence, causing at least five people aboard to suffer injuries, Houston-based media outlets reported. 

Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that UA 128 landed at IAH at 5:30 a.m. on Monday. IAH serves as a hub for the Chicago-based legacy carrier.

According to KRIV, the airline said that two passengers and three crew members were subsequently taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that the Boeing 767-300 landed at IAH safely. 

“We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers,” a company-issued statement obtained by the station reads.

Fifteen in all were reported by UA to have sustained some sort of injury, per Houston NBC affiliate KPRC. 

Citing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), KHOU and The Associated Press (AP) reported that the flight encountered turbulence as it flew directly over Cancun in Mexico. 

A total of 293 people were on UA 128.

The incident occurred a day after a Hawaiian Airlines (HA) flight from Phoenix to Honolulu experienced severe turbulence before landing. 

Eleven people on the flight sustained serious injuries, with some people not wearing safety belts thrown from their seats, MarketWatch reported citing the AP. 

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services director Jim Ireland said in the report that 36 people received medical attention after the plane landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).