China airline flight diverts after passenger falls ill

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China Eastern Airlines' flight 587, en route from Shanghai to New York, made an emergency landing at Anchorage airport in Alaska on Friday.

According to the cabin crew, a 60-year-old Chinese woman complained of whole-body tingling, accompanied by breathing difficulties.

The passenger was immediately transferred to business class to lie flat. Two medical workers on the plane volunteered their services, after hearing an announcement asking for help.

But three hours later, the sick passenger showed signs of twitching and complained of stiff muscles

After assessing the situation, the captain decided to land in Anchorage, halfway through the flight.

But the plane was over the maximum weight and had to dump 30 tons of fuel to ensure a safe landing.

Flight attendants taking care of the ill passenger. /CGTN Photo

The next day, many Chinese netizens commented on social media platforms about the incident.

One netizen wrote: "Life is the most important thing. I give a thumb-up to the whole cabin crew."

Others were confused about why the plane had to dump gasoline.

Gu Jian, captain of Flight MU587 explained:"The aircraft's weight was 282 tons, far more than the maximum landing weight when the sick passenger needed medical attention. For safety reasons, the plane had to descend and dump gasoline at the same time. After we got permission from the air traffic controller, we landed at the Anchorage airport, and the rescuers came immediately."

Later, the flight refueled and departed from Anchorage.

Six hours later, it arrived in New York.

The sick passenger has reportedly been discharged from hospital.