Auckland International Airport was the scene of an emergency response this afternoon following an incident involving an inbound flight. Emergency services, including more than 10 Hato Hone St John vehicles, were deployed to the airport.
St John was notified at 3:58 p.m. and responded with four ambulances, two operations managers, one major incident support team vehicle, one command unit, and two rapid response vehicles.
At the scene, 24 patients were assessed and treated, with eight in a moderate condition and 16 in a minor condition. Two patients were later transported to Middlemore Hospital for further treatment.
The incident involved Latam Airlines flight LA800 from Sydney to Auckland, which experienced a "technical problem" causing strong movement, The New Zealand Herald reported.
According to an airline spokesperson, the plane landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled, and affected passengers and cabin crew received immediate assistance and medical evaluation or treatment as needed.
Despite the disruption, Latam Airlines expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to safety as a top priority.
A passenger on the flight described feeling a "quick little drop" during the incident, noting the unexpected nature of the event.
Auckland Airport's emergency service team assisted St John following a request for medical support from the Latam Airlines flight, with additional ambulances dispatched to the scene.
Police were aware of the incident and referred all inquiries to St John, indicating that further updates would follow.