A “technical” issue aboard a LATAM Airlines flight resulted in injuries to 50 passengers.
What we know about the incident aboard LATAM Airlines flight
At least 50 individuals sustained injuries following a “technical” complication on a LATAM Airlines flight travelling from Sydney to Auckland.
The airline issued a statement describing the incident as a “technical event during the flight which caused a strong movement.”
“LATAM deeply regrets any inconvenience and discomfort 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 added.
According to reports, ambulance service Hato Hone St John was alerted to the situation, deploying an extensive emergency response team to Auckland Airport, where the flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, landed as scheduled.
The service reported that approximately 50 individuals were treated on the scene, with a majority experiencing moderate to minor conditions, though one was in a serious condition.
Despite the scare, many passengers, including one who recounted a “quick little drop,” were relieved to arrive safely in New Zealand.
LATAM Airlines has arranged a subsequent flight for the affected passengers, providing them with food and accommodation in the meantime.
What causes turbulence on flights?
Turbulence, essentially chaotic air movement, can arise from various natural occurrences, including mountainous terrain, jet streams, and storms.
It disrupts the smooth flow of air around an airplane, leading to the bumpy conditions many travellers have experienced.
Mountains can create airwaves that transform into turbulence, jet streams can induce shear zones prone to turbulent conditions, and storms can generate disturbances that affect areas far from the storm itself.
These factors contribute to “clear air turbulence,” a sudden and hard-to-predict type that often results in injuries due to the lack of warning for passengers and crew to secure themselves.
Is LATAM Airlines safe?
LATAM Airlines, certified as a 3-star airline for its service and product quality, has garnered a satisfactory reputation for safety and operational standards.
Recent incidents in February 2024, including a cargo smoke indication on a LATAM Brasil Airbus and a gear problem on another flight, were managed efficiently with no abnormal findings or safety compromises.