An American Airlines plane bound for Tennessee, with 56 people on board from Tampa, Florida, was diverted Wednesday to an Alabama airport after hitting severe turbulence, and at least eight minor injuries were reported. The plane hit unexpected turbulence over the Pensacola area of the Florida Panhandle and was diverted. 52 passengers were aboard the plane along with two pilots and two flight attendants. Ten people were evaluated, and two flight attendants and six passengers were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries, the airline said in a statement. It did not elaborate on their conditions. The airline brought in another aircraft for the other passengers to board late Wednesday and continued on to Nashville.