Emergency services rushed to Auckland International Airport after a “technical problem” caused mass injuries to travellers on a plane landing from Sydney.
At least 50 people were injured Monday by what officials described as a “strong movement” on a Chilean plane traveling from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand.
LATAM Airlines said in a statement there was “a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.” It did not elaborate on what happened.
Passengers were met by paramedics and more than 10 emergency vehicles when the flight touched down in Auckland.
The flight was operated by a LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration CC-BGG).
About 50 people were treated at the scene for mostly mild injuries, with 13 taken to a hospital, an ambulance spokesperson said.
One patient was believed to be in serious condition.
B787 de LATAM, tuvo problema técnico sobre el Mar de Tasmania. Aterrizó en Auckland sin mayores problemas. 50 personas fueron atendidas, 12 llevadas al hospital, 1 en condición grave. Pasajeros describieron una caída brusca. El capitán mencionó breve pérdida de instrumentación. pic.twitter.com/hG9VsjuFlw
— ó ✈︎ (@Conradoaviacion) March 11, 2024
Passengers said a number of people were not wearing seatbelts when flight LA800 suddenly dropped.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled and was due to continue on to Santiago, Chile.
“LATAM regrets the inconvenience and injury this situation may have caused its passengers, and reiterates its commitment to safety as a priority within the framework of its operational standards,” the airline said.