Passengers and crew members could have been injured
The plane of the British company Virgin Airlines was forced to make an emergency landing at New Zealand's Invercargill airport. The flight from Queenstown to Melbourne reportedly suffered an engine problem during takeoff. Flames could be seen shooting from the engine, and witnesses reported hearing loud bangs.
A Queenstown Airport spokeswoman said: “Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 17:59 bound for Melbourne. Immediately after takeoff he had a problem and was diverted to Invercargill Airport.» Witness Nick Lambert shared his impressions of the moment the Boeing 737 flew overhead: «It was making a hell of a pulsating noise from one engine, and then started shooting flames — maybe it crashed into a bird?
Another witness said: “It seemed like it was falling apart over our house. One engine caught fire and stalled.”
It is clarified that at that moment there were 73 people on board the plane (67 passengers and 6 crew members), while passengers and crew members were reportedly injured after an emergency landing.
However, in a statement, Virgin Australia chief operating officer Stuart Aggs said: “Virgin Australia flight VA148 from Queenstown to Melbourne was diverted to Invercargill Airport and landed safely after a possible bird strike on takeoff this evening. We are not aware of any injuries to passengers or crew at this time. Emergency services are on the ground at Invercargill Airport. Our efforts are now focused on providing support to passengers and crew, as well as transporting and accommodating guests in Invercargill this evening and arranging for their speedy onward journey to Australia.»
A witness told Newshub he saw «flames coming out of rear» of the plane: «I had a good view as I walked along the Kawarau River with my dog and the flames were quite bright. The engine sounded like it was revving up and it did so twice and then shot flames straight out of the back of the plane. I observed this repeat approximately 12 to 14 times before the aircraft disappeared over the Gibbston Valley hillside. The plane appeared to be struggling to gain speed or altitude.»
A passenger on that flight wrote on social media: «Believe me, I could 'feel' the flames as we took off. I was sitting just behind the wing on the right side. Full view of the light show.»