A LATAM Airlines flight en route from Sydney to Auckland encountered a “technical problem” that resulted in at least 50 passengers suffering injuries on Monday, March 4th, as reported by the New Zealand Herald. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, successfully completed its journey, touching down in Auckland in the afternoon before its scheduled continuation to Santiago, Chile.
The “strong movement” experienced onboard flight LA800 was attributed to a technical issue, as confirmed by a LATAM Airlines spokesperson to the Herald, though specifics of the problem were not disclosed. The airline’s acknowledgment of the incident highlighted that both crew members and passengers were affected.
Emergency services, including Hato Hone St John ambulance, were deployed at Auckland airport, where they administered aid to approximately 50 individuals. While most injuries were described as mild to moderate, there was one case reported as serious, according to a spokesperson from the ambulance service.
Passengers recounted moments of sudden turbulence, with one detailing a “quick little drop” that occurred mid-flight, illustrating the unexpected and unsettling nature of the incident.
At the time of reporting, both Boeing and LATAM Airlines had yet to provide further comments or insights into the specific causes and details surrounding the technical problem faced during the flight.
The event has drawn attention to the importance of airline safety and the swift response of emergency services in managing the aftermath of in-flight disturbances. Further investigations are anticipated to uncover the root cause of the technical issue and prevent future occurrences.
Related 787 stories: https://www.airguide.info/?s=787
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com
