A Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) passenger aircraft encountered severe turbulence yesterday, which left several passengers and crew members injured.

Flight MH1, an Airbus A380 aircraft en route to Kuala Lumpur from London, experienced clear-air turbulence over the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft was carrying 378 people.

In a statement, Malaysia Airlines confirmed the incident. The airline said the incident occurred over the Bay of Bengal, and the passenger seatbelt light was switched on due to air turbulence.

“Due to a brief moment of severe turbulence, some passengers suffered minor injuries,” said the statement.

It said medical crew and Malaysia Airlines senior management met the aircraft on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

“A small number of affected passengers and crew have been treated by medical officers.”

“Malaysia Airlines has assisted the 378 passengers and crew onboard MH1 and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused by this weather event which was entirely beyond our control.”

Meanwhile, images being shared on social media show a Malaysia Airlines aircraft galley in disarray with heavy food carts strewn across the floor, presumably as a result of the heavy turbulence. Other images also show damage to some passenger overhead units, which appear to be cracked. The passenger cabin is also seen to be in chaos, with debris strewn across the aisle.