In an unexpected rollercoaster flight, a Chilean plane traveling from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand, turned into a harrowing ordeal for passengers on Monday. LATAM Airlines confirmed a “technical event” during the flight, leading to what officials described as a “strong movement” on board. While the airline didn’t provide specific details, passengers reported a sudden drop in altitude.
Upon landing in Auckland, paramedics rushed to the scene to assist the passengers. About 50 people suffered mostly mild injuries, with 13 requiring hospitalization. One passenger was reported to be in serious condition. It’s believed that many of those injured were not wearing their seatbelts when the incident occurred.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed safely at Auckland Airport and was scheduled to continue its journey to Santiago, Chile. LATAM Airlines expressed regret for the inconvenience and injuries caused to its passengers, emphasizing its commitment to safety as a top priority.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of following safety protocols, including keeping seatbelts fastened at all times.
(Source: WSJ | ABC News | BBC)