Severe turbulence forces emergency landing of United Airlines plane

Sixteen people have been injured after a United Airlines flight hit severe, unexpected turbulence and was forced to make an emergency landing.

Flight UA880  was bound for London but was forced to land at Shannon Airport at around 5.55am local time (2.55pm AEST) on Wednesday when the plane ran into trouble.

It was travelling from Houston, Texas.

14 passengers and two crew members were treated at the airport and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick.

United Airlines issued a statement saying the diversion was due to severe turbulence.

“United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today,” the airline said.

“The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel.

“We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries,” the statement concluded.