Multiple passengers injured on international flight due to technical issue, witnesses describe chaotic scene
Multiple passengers were treated for minor injuries upon landing at their destination after an international flight encountered a sudden technical issue, leading to a chaotic scene inside the cabin. Witnesses reported passengers experiencing turbulence and moving through the cabin during the incident.
Several individuals were hurt following a flight from Australia to New Zealand that encountered a "technical event" causing a sudden movement, as reported by the flight's operator. Witnesses shared with local media that passengers were unexpectedly tossed around the cabin.
Upon arrival in Auckland, about 50 individuals received medical treatment for their injuries, with one person in serious condition, according to Hato Hone St John Ambulance, the emergency medical service provider. They mentioned that 12 patients were taken to the hospital for further care.
Passengers and cabin crew who were affected received prompt assistance and were checked or treated by medical personnel at the airport if necessary, as stated to CNN by LATAM Airlines.
According to a statement by LATAM Airlines to CNN, "Flight LA800, which was flying the Sydney — Auckland route today, experienced a technical issue during the flight that resulted in a significant movement." The statement also mentioned that the plane landed as planned in Auckland on Monday.
The statement did not elaborate on what the technical event was.
LATAM Airlines is Chile’s flagship carrier and stops regularly in Auckland en route to Santiago.
St John Ambulance reported that 14 units, including seven ambulances, were dispatched to Auckland International Airport for an incident involving an in-bound aircraft.
A passenger named Jacinto, who spoke to CNN affiliate RNZ, described experiencing a "mid-air drop" during the flight.
“People flew through the cabin,” he said. “People got pretty injured.”
Multiple passengers were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the sudden drop, he added.
“People were really scared as well.”
Another passenger, which RNZ named as Valentina, said that the plane “just stopped,” and that “people were flying around.”
She said there was blood on the ceiling and people flew and broke through the ceiling of the plane. She also mentioned that she was very scared to board a plane again.
Valentina sustained minor injuries but received treatment from the medical crew upon landing.
Editor's P/S:
The incident involving the LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland is a harrowing reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. The sudden movement, described by witnesses as a "mid-air drop," resulted in injuries to numerous passengers, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety protocols such as wearing seatbelts during the entire flight. The fact that multiple passengers were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the sudden drop highlights the need for increased awareness and enforcement of safety regulations.
It is also concerning that the technical event that caused the sudden movement has not been elaborated upon by LATAM Airlines. Transparency and accountability are crucial in ensuring the safety of passengers and maintaining public trust in the aviation industry. It is imperative that the airline conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and provide a comprehensive explanation of what transpired, including the nature of the technical issue and any measures being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
