What happened
While descending toward the destination airport, the pilot utilized airborne radar to identify and deviate around thunderstorm cells. Due to the darkness of the night, the crew was unable to maintain visual contact with the severe weather.
Approximately 45 minutes before the accident, the captain activated the seat belt sign following encounter with light chop earlier in the flight. The captain issued a passenger announcement instructing travelers to return to their seats and fasten seat belts. About 20 minutes prior to the event, the crew directed flight attendants to secure the cabin and suspend service, accompanied by a second announcement warning of increased turbulence for the remainder of the flight.
The aircraft then encountered turbulence lasting several seconds. This included one large bump that resulted in a sudden altitude gain lasting approximately two seconds. Following this encounter, flight attendants reported injuries to several passengers. According to reports from the cabin crew, at least one of the injured passengers was not seated at the time the turbulence occurred.