24 people treated for injury after flight from Sydney
Emergency services responded to an “incident” involving an inbound flight to Auckland International Airport yesterday afternoon in which 24 patients were treated at the scene.
More than 10 Hato Hone St John vehicles were at the airport yesterday afternoon.
A St John statement said they were notified at 3.58pm and sent four ambulances, two operations managers, one major incident support team vehicle, one command unit and two rapid response vehicles.
Crews assessed and treated 24 patients at the scene, with eight of those in a moderate condition and 16 in a minor condition. Two patients were transported to Middlemore Hospital.
The aircraft in question was Latam Airlines flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland, which encountered a “technical problem” that caused strong movement.
“The plane landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled. As a result of the incident, some passengers and cabin crew were affected. They received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed,” an airline spokesperson told the Herald.
“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.”
One woman onboard the flight said she experienced a “quick little drop” during the flight.
“I used to be a flight attendant and this is the first time I’ve ever . . . the whole plane just froze,” she said.
An Auckland Airport spokesperson said its emergency service team were assisting St John after a request for medical support from a Latam Airlines flight from Sydney.
Additional ambulances were also responding to the incident.
Police said they were aware of the incident.