Severe turbulence injures five on Seattle-bound flight

Two passengers and a flight attendant were injured by severe turbulence on a Delta Airlines flight bound for Sea-Tac Airport on Wednesday, KIRO-TV has confirmed with Compass Airlines.

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Officials at Reno-Tahoe International Airport said two additional passengers reported injuries, but declined to be taken to the hospital.

A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Compass Flight 5763 out of John Wayne Airport in Orange County was diverted to Reno and landed without further incident at about 1 p.m. after the crew reported the turbulence at about 34,000 feet.

"The aircraft landed safely and customers exited normally through the main cabin door. Delta is making resources available to take care of and support our customers. We apologize for this experience as we work to get customers to Seattle," Compass Airlines said in a statement.

A Compass Airline official said the three injured on the flight were being transported to a hospital in Reno. The extent of their injuries is not known at this time.

The National Weather Service had warned earlier Wednesday that a strong winter storm moving into the region could create dangerous flying conditions with extreme turbulence.

The Associated Press has contributed to this report.