SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A plane leaving Springfield heading to Houston, Texas had to make an emergency landing in Waco after hitting major turbulence.

According to the McLennan County Office of Emergency Management, the plane landed at Waco Regional Airport around 6:30 p.m. and was carrying 31 people, 28 passengers. Of that number, at least five people were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Interim Director of Aviation at Waco Michal A. Reisman said the exact number of injuries and the condition is unknown at this time.

According to Reisman, several flights in the area were rerouted to Waco, including two American Airlines flights diverted because of weather.

Reisman also says United is working on a recovery plan to possibly bring an empty plane for the passengers from Springfield.

The flight details from the Springfield-Branson National Airport show that flight UA5690 departed Springfield for Houston around 5 p.m.

According to Waco officials, a storm front was approaching the area. Data on Flight Aware shows the plane flying into a storm as it entered Texas, then having to gain altitude and changing speed before landing in Waco.

EMS and fire crews are on scene assisting plane staff and passengers.

We are working to get more details as they become available.

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