Passenger struck in the ceiling after plane hit severe Turbulence

A flight operated by Air Europa encountered intense turbulence en route from Madrid to Montevideo on July 1, resulting in injuries to 30 passengers.

The incident, which unfolded dramatically mid-flight, was captured in a viral video showing a man temporarily trapped in an overhead luggage compartment as chaos erupted onboard.

The turbulence was severe enough to cause significant damage inside the aircraft, including broken ceiling panels and dislodged luggage compartments. In response to the escalating situation, flight UX045 made an emergency landing at Natal Airport in northeastern Brazil at 2:32 a.m. local time.

Air Europa promptly redirected the flight to Natal due to the severity of the turbulence, as confirmed by the airline via social media. Eyewitness accounts described a harrowing scene resembling a horror movie, with passengers recounting the sudden destabilization of the plane followed by a sharp descent.

Those not wearing seat belts were reportedly thrown into the air, colliding with the ceiling and sustaining serious injuries such as cranial fractures and facial lacerations, according to local medical reports.

Images and additional footage from the flight depicted widespread disarray, with oxygen masks dangling and interior fixtures damaged by the turbulence. Passengers expressed profound shock and described the experience as a near-death encounter, highlighting the abrupt and traumatic nature of the incident.