Date: 201603
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Turbulence
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Workload; Distraction
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Contributing factors: Weather
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: I was performing my duties as Captain and pilot monitoring. Before departure I had instructed the Flight Attendants to remain seated until advised due to the weather around the departure area. Once inflight and cleared of the weather I called the Flight Attendants and told them we were cleared of the convective area and that they could resume their duties. However; seatbelt sign was left on for safety reasons. We [later] encountered severe turbulence while level at our cruising altitude of 27;000 feet. The aircraft abruptly entered into a turbulent climb and then a steep descent. No weather was shown in our aircraft radar and smooth flight conditions were present at the time severe turbulence was encountered. After the severe turbulence I proceeded to verify on the cabin status by calling the flight attendants. #1 FA responded and informed me that he and the #2 FA got injured due to the turbulence. I asked if any passengers were hurt in the process and he told me that no more injuries occurred as far as he knew. I told the flight attendants that we were we were headed to [a diversion airport] and to please take their seats. After that I [advised ATC] and followed the procedures required for this type of emergency as per our flight manual. I again called the FA to make sure they were seated and to keep updated on the conditions of all onboard. Upon landing and parking at the gate I took control of the cabin as my flight attendants were unable to complete their duties. Once in the aft of the aircraft; FA 1 confirmed to me that he was disoriented and could not operate the doors. I made sure that doors were disarmed and that everyone in the airplane was not hurt and proceeded to make sure the flight attendants were taken care by the paramedics. Post flight inspection revealed no visible exterior damage. There was damage sustained in the mid cabin on the ceiling panel; seats in row 11 and to the lavatory ceiling panel as it appeared there was a passenger in the lavatory at the moment of the turbulence. Maintenance Logbook entries were made.


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


Synopsis: Air carrier flight crew reported experiencing severe turbulence resulting in injuries to the flight attendants and minor damage to cabin furnishings. The flight diverted and successfully landed.