Passengers on a Latam Airlines flight from Australia to New Zealand experienced a terrifying moment when a sudden drop in altitude caused many to collide with the aircraft’s ceiling. Brian Jokat, one of the passengers, recounted the ordeal, noting that several individuals sustained head injuries due to the unexpected turbulence.
Emergency Response
Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Auckland, emergency services sprang into action, tending to the injured. St John’s ambulance service reported that around fifty passengers required medical assessment, with twelve necessitating hospitalization. Among those, one person’s condition was deemed serious.
Safety Oversight
The incident highlighted the importance of adhering to safety measures, as reports indicated that not all passengers were wearing their seatbelts when the incident occurred. This oversight contributed to the number and severity of the injuries sustained.
Investigating the Cause
The exact nature of the “technical event” that led to the mid-air scare remains under investigation. Data from FlightAware suggested a significant altitude loss occurred two hours into the flight, but the specific cause is yet to be determined.
Airline’s Apology
Latam Airlines expressed deep regret over the incident, apologizing for the distress and discomfort caused to its passengers. The airline confirmed that the flight, despite the incident, managed to land safely at its intended destination in Auckland.
Flight Disruptions
The aftermath of the incident saw the cancellation of the aircraft’s subsequent journey to Santiago, Chile. Arrangements for a replacement flight were made, aiming to minimize further inconvenience to the passengers affected by the disruption.
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