50 injured, two hospitalised in Auckland after flight from Sydney goes awry

50 people have been treated for injuries after a “major incident” on a plane departing from Sydney sparked chaos.

A Latam airlines passenger plane is seen parked at Jorge Newbery airport, in Buenos Aires, Argentina June 29, 2022. (Photo by Matías Baglietto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Escape 16 April 2023 Doc Holiday Photo - Getty Images

Dozens of people have been injured during a ‘major incident’ onboard a plane from Sydney to Auckland.

Ambulances rushed to the North Island airport at 3.58pm local time on Monday after an inbound flight from Sydney requested urgent medical support.

Two of the passengers were taken to hospital.

The flight’s carrier, Chilean airline LATAM, said flight LA800 had a “technical problem” which caused “strong movement” in the air.

24 people have been treated for injuries at Auckland International Airport after a “major incident” on a plane landing from Sydney sparked chaos.

“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,” a spokesperson said.

“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 November 2022, LATAM had a major incident when it collided with a fire engine that was crossing the runway at Jorge Chavez International Airport. The smash killed two firefighters and injured a third, who died of his injuries seven months later.

40 passengers were injured, with the aircraft’s hull being damaged beyond repair and written off.

In August last year, a LATAM flight was forced to make an emergency landing after one of its three pilots became ill.

The pilot died after receiving assistance on the ground.

A nurse said she tried to revive the pilot, along with another nurse and two doctors, while the plane was landing after he suffered symptoms related to cardiac arrest.

LATAM Airlines said it had carried out all the necessary steps to safeguard the life of the pilot.

“At LATAM Airlines we are deeply saddened by what has happened and we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of our employee”, the airline said at the time.

“We greatly appreciate his 25-year career and his valuable contribution, which was always distinguished by his dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.”