16 injured as severe turbulence forces United Airlines flight to make emergency landing at Shannon Airport in Ireland

Airport officials said on Wednesday that 14 passengers and two members of the flight crew were transferred to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.

Three children were reported to be among those taken to hospital, while others were treated at the airport. Injuries were said to include cuts, bruises and minor head injuries. 

Officials say United Flight 880 arrived at Shannon Airport early on Wednesday morning and was met by ambulances and other emergency services. The flight originated in Houston and was supposed to land at Heathrow.

Law student Lizzie Greene, 24, said: "It was totally unexpected. Everything was normal and then there was this sudden huge drop. 

"People who didn't have their belts on flew out of their seats, all the TVs and the lights went off and people were screaming. 

"Some people were walking around and it was mainly them who were injured, but we were all terrified. For a moment I thought I was going to die."

Leslie Chi, a Taiwanese student at Nottingham Trent University, wrote on Facebook that she "really thought I might die" as the plane was hit by the turbulence.

United Airlines said in a statement: "United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today.

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

"14 customers and two flight attendants have been taken to a local hospital.

"We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries. "