A United Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas, on Sunday evening after it hit severe turbulence that injured five passengers, officials said.

A United Airlines flight carrying nearly 200 passengers made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after a "possible mechanical issue" mid-flight, the airline said.

While in the air, strong turbulence hit the plane, a Bombardier CRJ-200, injuring five passengers and forcing the pilot to land at Waco Regional Airport, SkyWest Airlines said in a statement. There were 29 passengers and three crew members, according to KLST.