Eight people were hospitalised and two others injured after a flight out of Australia suddenly plunged into severe turbulence.<\/p>\n
Food and mobile phones were sent flying through the cabin after Flight CX156 experienced the bout of turbulence, sparking chaotic scenes on board.<\/p>\n
It occurred about two hours before the scheduled flight was due to land.<\/p>\n
With breakfast being served at the time, the cabin was soon caked in food after the horrendous scene unfolded.<\/p>\n
The unexpected debacle sent crew members and unbelted passengers flying, with cabin crew in the aisles reportedly suffering the brunt.<\/p>\n
Cathay Airlines confirmed to the ABC that 10 people were injured in the incident \u2013 six cabin crew members and four passengers.<\/p>\n
Of the injured parties, eight required admission to hospital once the plane safely landed in Hong Kong, at about 6.45am, local time.<\/p>\n
Nicholas Stevenson, a businessman from Cairns, described the ordeal to the ABC.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought the plane was going down. There were phones flying, coffees smashed into the roof, food absolutely everywhere,\u201d Mr Stevenson explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople were screaming. There was a lot of people really freaking out.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the turbulence struck without warning, just as cabin crew had begun serving breakfast.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019d just turned the lights on, people were waking up, and they\u2019d started giving out meals,\u201d Mr Stevenson added. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere was no seatbelt sign or warning before hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first one [episode of turbulence] caught everyone completely off guard, and then probably 15 or 20 seconds later it happened again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyone that didn\u2019t have their belts on hit the roof.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Stevenson said that people injured on the flight were assisted by four doctors, who were on board the flight, which was unable to find an alternative site to land.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe pilot said they believed it was some sort of thunder or lightning cell.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said they didn\u2019t really see it on the radar until the last minute because it was dark.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we landed, they told everyone to stay seated because the injured people had to get off first.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just remember thinking there is not much else you can do in that situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just sat there with my belt on hoping for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cathay Airlines has been approached for comment. <\/p>\n