Violent turbulence experienced aboard American Airlines Flight 908 just half an hour before landing at Miami International Airport Friday morning sent six people to local hospitals.

According to MIA spokesman Marc Henderson, the Boeing 777 flew directly from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Miami International Airport before landing about 6:40 a.m.

The jet was at 30,000 feet, beginning its descent, when it encountered the turbulence, said Tim Smith, an American Airlines spokesman. The seat belt sign was on at the time, but apparently, some people did not have theirs on.

Minutes later, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue treated as many as eight people who reported neck and back injuries, according to Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Arnold Piedrahita. Two people were released, and the others were taken to local hospitals.

All reported minor trauma injuries, Piedrahita said.

''I've been in turbulence before, but to the point where eight people get hurt? That's pretty bad,'' Piedrahita said.

Two of those reported injured are flight attendants.

There were 246 passengers and 14 crew members on board. The flight made a normal landing and touched down at 6:26 a.m.

American flight attendants were previously scheduled to picket at the airport Friday morning to protest poor working conditions.

Miami Herald staff reporter Adam H. Beasley contributed to this report.

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