Overview
During cruise at 39,000 feet, a scheduled domestic passenger flight inadvertently penetrated a rapidly developing convective cell (thunderstorm). The aircraft, a Boeing 757, encountered severe turbulence as a result. The flight was deviating around a large area of thunderstorms located about 40 nautical miles to the right of the airplane's flight path at the time of the encounter.
Incident Details
The cell that the airplane penetrated was very small in comparison to the area of storms the flight crew was trying to avoid. The seat belt sign was illuminated prior to the turbulence encounter. All of the injured flight attendants were attempting to stow food service items when the airplane encountered a sudden, violent jolt that slammed them against the ceiling.
Aftermath
One flight attendant sustained serious injuries, while three flight attendants and three passengers received minor injuries. There was no damage to the Boeing 757. Following the turbulence encounter, the flight diverted to a nearby airport and landed without further incident.