By Perkin Amalaraj. Terrified passengers were forced to use oxygen masks after a Korea Air flight dropped nearly 30,ft in just 15 minutes, following a cabin pressure failure on the Boeing plane. Footage of the incident shared online showed passengers in distress, with children crying loudly during the descent.
Data from FlightRadar shows the plane dropped 26,ft in just 15 minutes, resulting in 17 passengers needing medical attention. Passengers suffered from eardrum pain, and also needed treatment for hyperventiliation. All 17 were later discharged without severe injuries.
The flight to Taichung International Airport resumed on Sunday on a different aircraft. Korean Air said: 'We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. We have provided comprehensive support to affected passengers, including accommodation, meals, and transportation arrangements. Boeing, the plane that suffered a malfunction during the flight, has been under massive pressure following a string of incidents involving their planes.
Last night, reports claimed that US prosecutors are recommending that criminal charges be brought against the plane manufacturer. Prosecutors are suggesting charges after finding the plane maker violated a settlement related to two fatal crashes, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
In May, officials determined the company breached a agreement that had shielded Boeing from a criminal charge of conspiracy to commit fraud arising from two fatal crashes in and involving the MAX jet. Under the deal, the Justice Department agreed not to prosecute Boeing over allegations it defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration so long as the company overhauled its compliance practices and submitted regular reports.
