Cathay Pacific B744 over Japan on Feb 18th 2014, turbulence injures 12

A Cathay Pacific Boeing 747-400, registration B-HOP performing flight CX-879 (dep Feb 17th) from San Francisco,CA (USA) to Hong Kong (China) with 321 passengers and 21 crew, was enroute at FL380 over Japan near Sapporo when the aircraft encountered turbulence causing injuries to 12 occupants. The crew continued the flight to Hong Kong for a safe landing about 5 hours later. One flight attendant was taken to hospital with serious injuries, another flight attendant and 6 passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, 4 passengers were treated at the airport but did not need to be taken to hospital.

The airline reported medical assistance was provided to the injured on board of the aircraft immediately following the turbulence encounter.

Passengers reported the turbulence appeared to have lasted for about 2 minutes, at the time the fasten seat belt signs were not illuminated, passengers and cabin crew were moving through the cabin, when the aircraft suddenly and unexpectedly jolted throwing passengers and cabin crew to the ceiling causing damage to ceiling panels and overhead lockers.

Scenes on board (Photo: Cai Zhien Vincent):