American Airlines jet makes emergency landing in Houston

HOUSTON (CNN) -- An American Airlines jet bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico, made an emergency landing at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Wednesday after encountering severe turbulence that left five people injured.

American Airlines spokesman Dale Morris said Flight 304's pilot declared an emergency after the Boeing 757 hit heavy turbulence about two hours after leaving the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. The aircraft was over the Gulf of Mexico when the turbulence occurred. The plane landed safely at 4:55 p.m.

Four passengers and one flight attendant were injured, Morris said, and were taken to a Houston hospital. He said they suffered cuts and bruises, but no broken bones. There were 60 passengers and eight crew members on board.

The plane was diverted to the Intercontinental Airport, where medical personnel were waiting to assist the injured.

"Our focus was to get the injured people taken care of, and now we'll make sure the rest of the passengers get to their destination," Morris said.

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