Reports emerged on Monday of over 50 individuals sustaining injuries during a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland due to a “technical problem” causing significant turbulence, as reported by New Zealand Herald.
Flight LA800, operated by LATAM Airlines utilizing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, successfully landed at Auckland airport, marking the end of its journey from Sydney. Typically, this flight has a layover in Auckland before heading to its final destination in Santiago, Chile.
An official from the airline confirmed the existence of a “technical problem” on the flight that impacted both passengers and crew members, although specific details were not disclosed at the time.
Emergency responders from Hato Hone St John ambulance attended to approximately 50 individuals at the airport, treating a range of injuries from mild to moderate, with one person reported to be in a serious condition.
When interviewed by the NZ Herald, a passenger described the incident as a “quick little drop” experienced during the flight. Both Boeing and LATAM Airlines have yet to provide a response to inquiries surrounding the cause and specifics of the turbulence incident.
Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation into this unfortunate event unfolds.