Five individuals were hospitalized after American Airlines Flight 1286, traveling from Miami to Raleigh-Durham, encountered turbulence on a recent Sunday night.

Details regarding the extent of the injuries sustained by these individuals remain unclear.

Despite the turbulence, which prompted the activation of the fasten seat belt sign, the flight landed safely according to the airline's statement.

All five individuals, including three flight attendants and two passengers, have since been released from the hospital.

While turbulence-related injuries are rare, with only 163 incidents reported in the U.S. from 2009 to 2022, severe turbulence is still recognized as a significant hazard.

One passenger, Lee Francis IV, described the turbulence as quick and unexpected, commending the professionalism of the crew throughout the ordeal.

The airline has not provided additional information on the ongoing investigation aimed at determining the factors that contributed to the turbulence and the resulting injuries.

Passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's communication during the incident, citing delays in updates from the pilot and raising questions about the cause of the injuries.

Some passengers reported seeing lightning outside the plane, suggesting that adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the turbulence, although American Airlines has only acknowledged turbulence as the cause.

Emergency services, including fire and rescue crews from Wake County and Durham, were on standby and responded promptly upon the flight's landing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the turbulence incident.

American Airlines expressed gratitude for the professionalism of its crew and the understanding of its customers during this challenging situation.