Shannon Airport: Emergency landing of United Airlines flight leaves 16 injured in Ireland

Three children reportedly among those hurt

The United AIrlines flight diverted to Shannon airport with a 'medical situation' (Oliver Holzbauer)

Twelve people, including three children, have been injured after a transatlantic flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Ireland due to severe turbulence.

Ten passengers and two flight crew were treated in hospital after the United Airlines flight from Houston, Texas to London Heathrow had to be diverted to Shannon Airport.

Three children are among the injured, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The Boeing 767-300 jet, with 207 passengers and 13 crew on board, landed safely just before 6am and ambulance crews were on the runway to meet the flight.

The injured passengers and flight crew were taken to University Hospital Limerick, where they were treated for soft tissue injuries, lacerations and minor head injuries.

A spokesperson from United Airlines said: "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 aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel. Ten customers and two flight attendants were taken to a local hospital and all have since been discharged, except for one of our flight attendants."

The airline plans to fly unaffected customers from Shannon to London Heathrow later today on an alternative aircraft.

A spokeswoman from Shannon Airport said: "A United Airlines flight (UA-880) en route from Houston to Heathrow diverted to Shannon Airport with a medical situation and landed safely at 05.55am this morning.

"HSE ambulances were at the scene to meet the flight. Passengers and crew were treated at the airport and subsequently fourteen passengers and two flight crew were transferred by to University Hospital Limerick."