At least 50 people travelling on a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Chile via Auckland suffered injuries on Monday after a "technical problem" caused a "strong movement," the New Zealand Herald first reported, citing the airline. One person was left in serious condition and 14 were hospitalized.
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The incident occurred over an hour after flight LA800 departed from Sydney, Australia heading to Auckland, New Zealand before continuing to Chile. Upon landing, the Boing 787-9 Dreamliner was met by ambulances and emergency teams.
"There was a sudden quick drop during the flight, one passenger said describing how the "plane just froze." Another passenger said that, at that moment, passengers and members of the crew were flung out of their seats hitting the ceiling, adding that there was no turbulence in advance.
Brian Jokat, who was on the flight, described the plane cruising along when suddenly it dropped in altitude. He said a passenger sitting near him did not have his seatbelt fastened and flew out of his seat, hit the ceiling and and fell back to the floor, hitting his head and hand on the seat on his way down. He said the passenger broke some bones while others were hurt in their necks or limbs.
“The ceiling’s broken from people’s heads and bodies hitting it. Basically neck braces were being put on people, guys' heads were cut and they were bleeding. It was just crazy,” Jokat told the Stuff news site.
Chilean Latam airline said in a statement that the plane suffered a technical problem.
“As a result of the incident, some passengers and cabin crew were affected. They received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed. LATAM regrets the inconvenience and injury this situation may have caused its passengers, and reiterates its commitment to safety as a priority within the framework of its operational standards,” the airline said.