United Airlines flight hits 'severe' turbulence; seven people injured

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Seven people were injured Wednesday after a United Airlines flight hit "severe" turbulence over Louisiana. The Boeing 737-900 was diverted to Tennessee for an emergency landing, according to the airline.

United Flight 1196 was traveling from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago on Wednesday afternoon when it encountered "a brief period of severe turbulence while the seatbelt sign was on," United Airlines said in a statement .

The plane landed safely at Memphis International Airport at 2:50 p.m. local time with 179 passengers and crew on board.

Paramedics met the plane at the gate and transported one person to the hospital in non-critical condition. Six others suffered minor injuries, according to the Memphis Fire Department.

"We're grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers and we expect the flight to depart for Chicago soon," United said. The plane took off for Chicago O'Hare International Airport later Wednesday evening.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.