A Latam Airlines flight bound for Auckland, New Zealand, turned into a nightmare for passengers on Monday as the plane experienced a sudden and violent drop due to a technical problem. About 50 people were treated by emergency medical workers, with twelve individuals, including one in serious condition, being taken to hospitals in Auckland.
Passenger Brian Jokat described the terrifying moment when the plane dropped suddenly, likening it to a roller coaster experience. He recounted how passengers without seatbelts were thrown around, with one person even hitting the ceiling of the aircraft before crashing back down.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was met by a fleet of emergency vehicles upon landing at Auckland International Airport, where medical crews attended to the injured passengers. While some suffered cuts and abrasions, all were reported to be in stable condition and able to walk.
The flight, which was en route to Santiago, Chile, was canceled following the incident. Latam Airlines announced that passengers bound for Santiago would be accommodated on a flight the following day. The cause of the technical problem that led to the disturbance remains unknown as investigations continue.
