SAA relieved as passengers continue to be discharged from hospital - SA 286 update 

JOHANNESBURG. 17 July 2014. South African Airways (SAA) advises that of the two passengers admitted with serious injuries sustained on flight SA286 following severe turbulence, only one remains in hospital.
 
“SA 286 encountered severe turbulence en route to Hong Kong as it flew over Malaysian airspace”, said SAA Spokesperson Tlali Tlali.
 
“The weather induced incident left 20 people on board injured and taken to hospital upon landing. After treatment, 18 were released on the same day whilst two with serious injuries remained for further observation. One of them has now been discharged. We welcome this development and will continue to keep the remaining patient in our prayers for him to recover and be discharged from hospital”, Tlali elaborated.
 
Despite landing safely in Hong Kong with a total number of 166 passengers (including one infant) on board, SAA would like to apologise to all passengers for the injury, shock and inconvenience as a result of the unforeseen weather related incident.

The airline would like to express its gratitude to everyone who showed sympathy and wished those injured speedy recovery. In addition, SAA wishes to thank the crew of the flight for the professional way the incident was handled, a factor which was appreciated and expressed by the passengers on board the aircraft.

Throughout the incident the airline provided extensive support to the passengers. Medical assistance was arranged from the aircraft and ambulances waited for them on arrival. One passenger who is a paramedic also assisted the crew on board.

SAA Hong Kong staff arranged accommodation for passengers, escorted them to hospital and looked after their immediate needs. Staff paid visit to passengers in hospital, and also rebooked their flights.
 
The Telephone Enquiry Centre has now been closed.
 
Should passengers have any further enquires they can contact the customer service numbers below.
 
SAA Contact details
SAA Call Centre numbers:
Johannesburg (27 ) 11 978 1111 or 0861 606 606
Operating hours
Mon – Sun:  06h00 – 22h00 (local time)
 
For media enquires please contact:
Tlali Tlali  (Mr)                                                                        
SAA spokesperson                                                                                                        
Mob:     +27 82 333 3880                                                   
Email:    TlaliTlali@flysaa.com