Fourteen BA passengers hospitalised after extreme turbulence rocks plane

Passengers on board the British Airways Boeing 777-236 for Tampa Bay, Florida were taken to hospital.

Fourteen passengers were sent to hospital after a British Airways plane experienced severe turbulence.

The flight from London Gatwick Airport suddenly descended without warning on Sunday, according to passengers.

Luggage and papers fell to the aisle on the Boeing 777-236, which was en route to Tampa Bay, Florida.

Footage shared on social media shows the aftermath of the turbulence. It also appears to capture damage to an air vent.

Ollie Richmond, who was on board, tweeted: "Crazy scenes on the #BA2166 (sic) LGW to TPA today.

Plane dropped suddenly without warning - loads of people hitting the ceiling!

"Was like something out a film! Lots of people sent to hospital. Well done staff for managing the situation well!"
The passenger next to Mr Richmond can be heard saying: "Oh my god" in his video.

Mr Richmond alleged he and his pregnant wife needed to go to hospital.

And British Airways confirmed 14 passengers in total were taken to hospital as a precaution.

The extent of any possible injuries is not known.

A statement from the airline said: "Safety is always our number one priority, and our cabin crew did everything they could to look after our customers after experiencing unexpected severe turbulence.

"They asked paramedics to meet the aircraft and some customers were examined by medical staff as a precaution."

It comes after an easyJet holidaymaker tried to open a cabin door on a busy plane at 30,000ft.