Dozens of people have been injured after a “technical event” disrupted a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney to Auckland.
The Chilean airline said there was “a technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement,” in a statement on Monday afternoon, March 11.
Passengers were met by paramedics from the Hato Hone St John ambulance service when the flight touched down in Auckland.
A total of 24 patients were treated at the scene, eight of whom were reported to be in a moderate condition and 16 in a minor condition, the NZ Herald reported.
The airline said seven passengers and three cabin crew were taken to Middlemore Hospital for medical checks, with no serious injuries reported.
More than 10 emergency services vehicles responded to the incident.
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, according to data from flight tracking service Flightaware.
The LA800 flight departed on March 11 and was due to continue to Santiago. The airline said the plane landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled.
“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,” it said.
The airline has scheduled a new flight from Auckland to Santiago on March 12 and is providing affected passengers with food and accommodation.
LATAM Airlines operates regular routes between Sydney, Auckland and major centres in South America.
