Thirteen passengers were hospitalized following a LATAM flight from Sydney to Auckland, which encountered a “technical event” leading to severe turbulence on Monday, as reported by the airline and first responders to AFP.
LATAM Airlines, headquartered in Chile, explained that flight LA800 experienced a technical issue during the journey, resulting in significant movement. The aircraft safely landed at Auckland Airport according to the scheduled itinerary.
#BREAKING: Emergency services have rushed to Auckland International Airport after a “technical incident” during a LATAM Airlines flight from Sydney caused a “sudden movement” during the flight. pic.twitter.com/NyoJQL2Rvb
— Nick Mutuku (@nickngei2) March 11, 2024
Gerard Campbell from St John Ambulance New Zealand disclosed that medical personnel were alerted to an incident at the airport, leading to the transfer of 13 patients to a local hospital via ambulance. He stated, “We received notification at 3:58 pm and dispatched five ambulances. Our teams assessed and treated around 50 patients, with one individual in a serious condition and the rest with moderate to minor injuries.”
LATAM expressed sincere regret for any inconvenience or discomfort caused by the situation.
