Terrifying Moments in the Sky: Eyewitnesses Describe Mid-Air Plunge of LATAM Airlines Flight

A group of passengers who were on a LATAM Airlines flight that had a mid-air drop while en route to New Zealand have now arrived in Chile. Two of the passengers shared their experience with a CNN team at Santiago International Airport.

Verónica Martínez, a Chilean resident, described the ordeal as "horrible." She was on board flight LAN800 from Australia to New Zealand on Monday.

Martínez described how everything seemed fine until the plane suddenly experienced a shutdown and began to descend. She mentioned witnessing people and objects flying around the cabin.

Fortunately, Martínez was unharmed as she had her seat belt on. However, she recalled seeing others, including a baby, being tossed through the air inside the aircraft. She likened the experience to a ride on a roller coaster.

Many people were hurt when LATAM Airlines flight 800 from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand had a "technical event" on Monday that caused a sudden movement, according to the airline.

Passenger Diego Valenzuela, who talked to reporters after arriving at the airport on Tuesday, described the experience as a "free fall" for a few seconds, leading to injuries for many passengers.

Martínez and Valenzuela both said they felt relieved to be on Chilean soil.

It’s unclear how many people who arrived in Santiago from Auckland on Tuesday were involved in Monday’s incident.

CNN has contacted the airline to gather more details.

The Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) of Chile mentioned on Tuesday that a group of Chilean aviation officials has been dispatched to Auckland to look into the incident.

At least 50 people were injured on the LATAM Airlines flight 800 which landed in Auckland on New Zealand, March 11, 2024.

At least 50 people were injured on the LATAM Airlines flight 800 which landed in Auckland on New Zealand, March 11, 2024.

Dean Purcell/AP

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The DGAC communications office informed CNN that a team of four members will receive the plane's black boxes for analysis. Additionally, a technician from New Zealand will be part of the investigation.

Approximately 50 individuals received medical treatment upon reaching Auckland, with one person in serious condition, as reported by Hato Hone St John Ambulance to CNN. The operator also mentioned that 12 patients were transported to hospitals.

LATAM Airlines stated that the passengers and cabin crew involved in the incident received prompt assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport. However, no additional information was provided regarding the cause of the incident.

Editor's P/S:

The mid-air drop experienced by passengers on LATAM Airlines flight LAN800 highlights the importance of aviation safety and the resilience of those involved. The vivid accounts of Verónica Martínez and Diego Valenzuela paint a harrowing picture of the sudden descent and subsequent chaos within the cabin. Despite the injuries sustained, their relief upon reaching Chilean soil is a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

This incident underscores the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause of the technical event. The dispatch of Chilean aviation officials and the analysis of the plane's black boxes will hopefully shed light on the factors that contributed to this distressing experience. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial that lessons are learned and measures are implemented to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future. highest levels of safety for all.