AUSTIN, Texas — A Houston-bound flight was diverted to Austin after experiencing severe turbulence, according to SkyWest Airlines.

The incident happened Thursday evening aboard SkyWest flight 5971, which was operating as United Express from Aspen, Colorado, to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The plane landed safely at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where it was met by medical personnel. Austin-Travis County EMS evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries.

"We were probably about three-quarters of the way through our flight when all of a sudden, it came out of nowhere, just this, it was the biggest turbulence I've ever seen," passenger Gretchen Gilliam said. "Someone in front of me flew up and hit the ceiling three times. And it was a grown

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