During a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland on Monday, a reported "technical problem" led to significant turbulence, resulting in injuries to at least 50 individuals.
According to statements from a LATAM Airlines spokesperson to the NZ Herald and RNZ, the flight encountered a "technical glitch," causing "strong movement" within the aircraft, affecting both passengers and crew members. Immediate assistance was provided, and those impacted were assessed or treated by medical personnel upon landing at Auckland Airport.
The injured individuals primarily sustained minor injuries, and the flight, identified as LATAM Airlines LA800 operating with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, landed at its destination on schedule, as reported by FlightAware. Typically en route to Santiago, Chile, the flight makes a scheduled stop in Auckland.
Among the injured, one person is reported to be in serious condition, according to a spokesperson from Hato Hone St John Ambulance, as stated by Reuters.
Describing the turbulence, a passenger recounted to RNZ experiencing a "mid-air drop," resulting in passengers being thrown about the cabin, and sustaining injuries. Many passengers were reportedly not wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident.
Another passenger shared with RNZ that the plane suddenly halted approximately 50 minutes outside of Auckland, causing individuals to be thrown around the cabin. Consequently, there were reports of blood on the aircraft's ceiling due to passengers hitting the surface during the turbulence.
