According to the flight's operator, dozens of people were hurt when a flight from Australia to New Zealand encountered a "technical event" that caused an abrupt movement. Witnesses told local media that passengers were tossed throughout the cabin.
On arrival in Auckland, about 50 people were treated for injuries, with one in serious condition, according to emergency medical care provider Hato Hone St John Ambulance. It stated 12 victims had been sent to the hospital.
According to a statement from LATAM Airlines, affected passengers and cabin crew "received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed."
“Flight LA800, operating the Sydney—Auckland route today, had a technical event during the flight that caused a strong movement.” The statement added that the plane landed as scheduled in Auckland on Monday.
The statement did not specify what the technical event was.
Chilean aviation officials said New Zealand investigators will look into the "technical event" on a Chilean Boeing 787 that injured 50 people.
“We regret the situation experienced by passengers, while we reiterate our commitment to the safety of air operations,” said Chile’s Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics.
Chile's aviation agency would also designate a "accredited representative" in New Zealand to "participate in the investigation."
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission, New Zealand's National Transportation Safety Board counterpart, is "aware of the reported incident," spokeswoman Simon Pleasants previously told CNN. "We are gathering further information to inform a decision as to whether to open an inquiry."
Meanwhile, Boeing has verified that the event occurred on one of its planes and seeks additional information.
FlightAware, a flight tracking website, identified the plane as a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
