2 passengers injured on United flight after plane tries to avoid collision

(KRON) -- Two United Airlines passengers were sent to the hospital after they were injured during the descent of a San Francisco-bound flight on Thursday, the United team and the Federal Aviation Administration told KRON4.

United Airlines flight 2428 was on its way from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco International Airport on Thursday afternoon. At about 12:45 p.m., the Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center Airspace said that "another aircraft was in the vicinity" of the United flight.

The plane started its descent to account for the other aircraft, which flew at a lower altitude, United officials told KRON4.

United officials said the flight was descending with "the seatbelt sign on." Despite the visual warning, one customer who was out of their seatbelt and another passenger reported being injured. They were sent to the hospital.

The status of the two passengers' injuries was not shared as of this report. "There was no loss of safe separation," the FAA said, claiming they started an investigation on the matter.

"We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers," United said.