DENVER -- United Airlines said that 10 people were injured when a Los Angeles-to-Chicago flight encountered severe turbulence early Monday.

United Flight 1028 was diverted to Denver International Airport at 2:55 a.m. and the injured were taken to Denver hospitals to be checked out. Their conditions have not been released but a DIA spokesman said at least six passengers had minor injuries.

Eight were passengers and two were flight attendants.

The Boeing 757 was carrying 187 passengers and crew when it left Los Angeles.

The airline said maintenance crews inspected and cleared the plane about three hours later. A new flight crew was called in to complete the flight to Chicago. The flight did not have any further trouble.