Dozens injured after flight from Australia to New Zealand experiences “technical event”
(CNN) — A flight from Australia to New Zealand turned chaotic after experiencing a “technical event” that caused a sudden movement, resulting in injuries to dozens of passengers. Eyewitnesses reported that passengers were thrown from the cabin during the incident.
Approximately 50 people were treated for injuries upon arrival in Auckland, with one person in serious condition, according to emergency medical services provider Hato Hone St John Ambulance. Twelve patients were taken to hospitals in the area.
“Hato Hone St John can confirm that it has responded to an incident at Auckland International Airport involving an incoming aircraft,” a statement from the ambulance service said.
LATAM Airlines, the flight operator, confirmed that Flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland experienced severe shaking due to an in-flight technical event. The airline stated that the affected passengers and cabin crew received immediate assistance and medical evaluation at the airport.
Passenger accounts described a harrowing mid-air ordeal, with one passenger named Jacinto telling RNZ that there was a “mid-air drop” and people were thrown through the cabin. Another passenger, Valentina, said the plane abruptly stopped, causing chaos with people “flying everywhere” and sustaining injuries.
Both passengers expressed fear and apprehension about flying in the future after the traumatic incident. Valentina suffered minor injuries but received medical treatment upon landing in Auckland.
LATAM Airlines, Chile’s flagship carrier, regularly operates flights to Auckland en route to Santiago. The specifics of the technical event that caused the turbulence were not disclosed by the airline. St John Ambulance noted that multiple units responded to the incident at the airport to provide assistance to those affected.
Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of future flights.