KUALA LUMPUR – At least 50 passengers on a Latam Airlines flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland were injured after some hit the ceiling when the plane encountered a “technical problem” that caused “strong movement”.
Several passengers were rushed to the hospital after the plane landed around 4pm local time today.
“The plane landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled. As a result of the incident, some passengers and cabin crew were affected. They received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed,” an airline spokesman was quoted as saying to the NZ Herald.
“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.”
As of 6pm (1pm Malaysian time), ambulances were still exiting Auckland Airport.
Some of the passengers said they experienced “rough turbulence” when the plane supposedly nose-dived for a few seconds.
In a brief statement, Latam “deeply regrets any inconvenience and discomfort this situation may have caused”. – March 11, 2024