Extreme turbulence injures 26 on Continental Airlines flight

Twenty-six people are injured as a Continental Airlines jet hits "extreme turbulence" and makes an emergency landing in Miami.

The Boeing 767 was flying from Rio de Janeiro to Houston when it encountered trouble north of the Dominican Republic. The plane was diverted to Miami, according to a BBC report. The aircraft landed at 0535 local time (0935 GMT). Twenty-two people suffered bumps and bruises and four had serious neck and back injuries and had to be admitted to hospital along with nine others. Passengers with minor injuries were flown to Houston later along with the remaining passengers, In all there were a total of 168 passengers and 11 crew on board. Continental Flight 128 hit extreme turbulence while cruising at 11,600m (38,000ft), about 80km (50 miles) north of the Dominican Republic. The pilot declared an emergency and opted to land at Miami. An investigation is anticipated.