The Russian Aeroflot flight from Moscow to Bangkok hit successive areas of turbulence causing babies to fly out their mothers' arms
RUSSIAN officials have launched a probe after video emerged of the horrific scenes on board an Aeroflot plane as turbulence threw passengers all over the cabin en route from Moscow to Bangkok.
At least 20 people - including three babies - suffered major injuries including suspected broken bones in the carnage.
A video shows passengers lying injured in the aisle after they were hurled up to the ceiling.
The babies were thrown out of their mothers' arms by the force of the severe turbulence one hour before landing in Bangkok, said a source.
Now the Moscow Transport Prosecutor's Office said it will "oversee the implementation of laws on air and water transport".
"In case of violation of the rights of passengers, we will prosecute," a statement added.
The footage also shows people walking in the aisle and without seat belts getting injured.
Luggage as well as food and drink from the trolleys was strewn all over the cabin.
Evgenia Zibrova posted a shocking video with the comment: "Numerous air pockets one hour before landing led to broken bones, internal and external bleeding.
"Lots of people from the tail cabin have broken their noses, several people have probably broken their spines.
"Babies are covered in bruises, people lost consciousness.
"Thanks that we are still alive. Aeroflot, please help these people."
Vladimir Sosnov, deputy head of Russian Consulate in Thailand, said: "The injured suffered multiple fractures. There are both Russian and foreign citizens among them.
"Apparently, those who were injured did not have their seat belts fastened."
The plane - a Boeing 777 and packed with tourists - hit several successive areas of turbulence en route to Bangkok.
The flight crew kept control of the aircraft and the injured passengers were rushed to hospital on arrival in the Thai capital.
A source said 19 people were hospitalised in Bangkok, with two undergoing urgent surgery.
Others were treated with first aid after the incident on board flight SU 270.
A source told Interfax: "A Boeing 777 plane suddenly got into the zone of strong turbulence before starting to descend.
"There had been no order to fasten seat belts at that moment.
"As a result, the plane was jolted by hundreds of metres, and some passengers were thrown into the space between the chairs suffering traumas."
The Russian embassy is providing assistance to the injured passengers.
Aeroflot later said that none of the passengers suffered serious spinal injuries, despite earlier reports.
However, 17 remained in hospital with "contusions" and "fractured or broken bones".
The airline agreed to pay all medical costs of the injured.
The airline said: "An experienced crew piloted the flight.
"The pilot has more than 23 thousand flight hours, and the co-pilot has over 10,500 flight hours.
"However, the turbulence that hit the Boeing 777 was impossible to foresee.
"The incident was caused by what is known in aviation as "clear-air turbulence".
"Such turbulence occurs without any clouds, in clear skies with good visibility, and weather radar is unable to alert of its approach.
“In such situations, the crew is unable to warn passengers of the need to return to their seats."
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