Five Injured In Turbulence, Flight Diverted

Five people were injured on anAllegiant Air jet that encountered clear air turbulence Thursday, forcing the flight to divert and land at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The Airbus A319departedPunta Cana and was bound forPittsburgh with 137 passengers and six crew members, according to media reports. The airline stated that "three passengers and two flight attendants from Flight 7001 have been transported to the hospital," WTAE in Miami reported.

The flight landedin Fort Lauderdale at 2:43 p.m. local time with ambulances waiting. Passengers told aCBS station afterward they were already experiencing a bumpy ride when the severe turbulence caused a rapid descent, sending people and loose items tumbling. Other witnesses told the station the injuries included a broken nose anda head injury.