12 hurt in turbulence;plane makes emergency landing in Ireland

Twelve people, including three children, were injured today when a flight bound for London encountered "severe and unexpected turbulence", forcing the United Airlines plane to make an emergency landing in Ireland.
Ten passengers and two crew members were taken to hospital from Shannon Airport shortly after the flight from Houston, Texas landed.
All have now been discharged with the exception of one flight attendant, the BBC reported.
Shannon Airport officials initially said 16 people needed hospital care, but later indicated only 12 people were treated after the incident.
The flight UA-880 was travelling from Houston to London Heathrow when it diverted to the airport in County Clare.

The injured were taken to University Hospital, Limerick, with cuts, bruises and minor head injuries.

"As of 10:30, one patient was still being assessed and the remaining 11 were discharged," said the hospital.
"Hospital staff are working with the airline to transport the passengers back to Shannon Airport to continue their onward journey to London."
The Boeing 767-300 jet had 207 passengers and 13 crew members on board, and had been due to arrive at Heathrow.
"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel," said the airline.
"United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880.

"Customers will be departing Shannon to London Heathrow shortly on an alternative aircraft," it added.
In-air turbulence is the leading cause of injury to people on flights, according to America's Federal Aviation Administration, and on average 58 people in the US are injured during turbulent flights when not wearing seat-belts every year.
Most accidents involving turbulence happen at 30,000 feet or above.