A319
Flight Attendant Current
Fatigue
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Aircraft; Human Factors
Forward beverage service cart came loose after takeoff and transcended down the passenger aisle injuring approximately 7 Passengers and the C Flight Attendant. Injured passengers were treated by the crew and on board medical volunteers. Flight continued on to destination. EMT's met aircraft and injured passengers were further evaluated for their injuries and condition. The C Flight Attendant was met by Flight Service Manager and sent for further evaluation of injuries sustained by the unsecured cart at a clinic.[The cause was] perhaps a lack of sufficient rest for flight attendants working a continuous duty overnight trip sequence. Also stronger functioning galley cart latches and brakes for service carts.
Just after liftoff heard loud crash in forward galley. Didn't think much of it because we have had things fall in the galley before. Out of 10;000 ft; A F/A (Flight Attendant) called and said that the galley cart came loose and proceeded down the center of the aircraft. I don't remember if she told me then or a few minutes later that a passenger was injured. We continued our climb until I received further information on the passenger. We leveled off at 25;000 ft waiting to see if we might have to divert. The phone contact info for Medlink was given to the A F/A so she could contact them herself. She tried as did we from the flight deck. The phone did not work. I got a phone patch to dispatch and connected with Medlink. By this time; we were informed that two passengers were injured. One had a laceration on his head; and another man had a cut on his knee. Bleeding was under control on both passengers and vital signs were good according to the nurse. We had a nurse and two EMT's onboard that were helping out. I received information on the passengers from the A F/A and passed it on. The A F/A asked me twice where were we going to land. I informed her that after all the information was passed on to Medlink; they would make the decision. Passengers were stable at this time; and there were no life threatening injuries. Medlink told us to continue on to destination and to advise them if anything changed. Just after this situation settled down; a woman passed out for no apparent reason. The nurse helped the F/A's access her condition. Once again I called Medlink and relayed all the medical info. She was stable and was given oxygen and seemed to be recovering. Medlink again said to continue to destination and advise if anything changed. The passenger with the head injury also received oxygen. Somewhere down the road the A F/A informed us that there were four other passenger with minor injuries. At this time I informed the dispatcher of this situation. Medlink said they would have EMT's at the gate. Also on this flight; we had two ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring) situations. Sys 1 cab press / COM single PTT stuck. After landing; EMT's met the aircraft. Also; the C F/A was injured trying to stop the cart with his foot. In this situation; I kept in mind the safety of the passengers and crew. Along with Medlink's recommendations; I proceeded to destination. Beverage cart latch either broke or was not in lock position. Double check all safety items prior to flight.
A319 Flight Attendant and Captain reported a loose galley cart after takeoff that injured passengers and one Flight Attendant. The cart may not have been properly secured and fatigue was possibly a factor.