11-3-2024 (WELLINGTON) A LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland experienced a severe “technical event” on Monday, leaving at least 50 passengers and crew injured, with one person in serious condition.
The incident unfolded during flight LA800, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, as it was crossing the Tasman Sea. According to LATAM Airlines’ statement, the plane encountered “a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement,” though the airline did not provide further details on the nature of the issue.
Passengers recounted terrifying moments as the plane abruptly lost altitude, causing some individuals to be flung towards the ceiling due to not wearing seatbelts. One unidentified passenger told New Zealand’s public broadcaster RNZ, “People flew through the air because they weren’t wearing their seatbelts. Some people got pretty injured. People were really scared as well,” their voice trembling with the recollection.
Despite the dramatic incident, the plane managed to land as scheduled at Auckland Airport. However, the Chilean airline expressed its “deep regrets” for the “inconvenience and discomfort” caused to passengers.
Emergency services were promptly alerted as the plane approached Auckland, and a fleet of more than a dozen ambulances and medical vehicles rushed to the scene to attend to the injured. Gerard Campbell, a representative from St John New Zealand ambulance service, provided details on the response, stating, “Our ambulance crews assessed and treated approximately 50 patients, with one patient in a serious condition and the remainder in a moderate to minor condition. Twelve patients were transported to hospital.”
Mobile phone footage obtained by the NZ Herald captured the aftermath, showing concerned crew and passengers assisting an injured woman while flight attendants called for any medical professionals on board.
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The incident has raised questions about the aircraft’s safety, as the plane involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model produced by the embattled American plane maker. Boeing has faced scrutiny over safety concerns in recent years, including the fatal Lion Air and Ethiopian Airline crashes involving its 737 MAX aircraft.
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission has acknowledged the reported incident and is gathering information to determine whether an inquiry will be opened. Alternatively, Chilean authorities may investigate if the event occurred in international airspace.
LATAM Airlines has stated that passengers bound for Santiago will depart New Zealand on Tuesday evening, as the airline works to address the aftermath of this terrifying mid-air ordeal.
