About 50 people have been assessed by paramedics and 13 taken to hospital after a “technical problem” on a flight from Sydney to Auckland caused a sudden movement in the air.
A large emergency response is underway at Auckland International Airport after reports of injuries on inbound flight LATAM Airlines flight LA800 about 4pm local time (2pm AEDT).
Approximately 50 patients were treated at the scene with one in a serious condition, St John Ambulance said.
The remainder of the patients suffered minor to moderate injuries and 13 people were transported to Middlemore Hospital.
LATAM Airlines, a Chilean carrier, said the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner had a technical problem which caused a “strong movement”.
“As a result of the incident, some passengers and cabin crew were affected,” the airline said in a statement.
“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.”
In an unrelated incident, United Airlines flight UA830 from Sydney to San Francisco was forced to turn around about two hours into its journey this afternoon.
A leak was reportedly detected and the plane landed back in Sydney about 2.30pm.
No injuries were reported.
