Ten passengers and crew members were injured when a Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered turbulence early on Saturday morning, with one traveller describing the terrifying experience as similar to “free-falling from a drop tower”.

Cathay Pacific confirmed on Saturday that flight CX156 from Brisbane to Hong Kong encountered turbulence, and 10 people, including two Australians, were injured and sent to hospital for treatment.

“Six cabin crew and four passengers reported minor injuries, and eight of them were sent to the hospital for further medical care,” a Cathay spokesman said.

“The flight arrived in Hong Kong at 6.45am [on Saturday]. Medical personnel boarded the aircraft to assess the condition of a small number of passengers and crew who reported feeling unwell.”

An Airport Authority spokesperson confirmed that it received a report at around 6am regarding the flight.

“Upon receiving the notification, the Airport Authority immediately requested fire and ambulance services to stand by,” the spokesperson said.

“The aircraft landed safely at 6.35am, and paramedics immediately boarded to assist the injured.”