A Virgin Australia plane has made an emergency landing in New Zealand after a fire shut down one of its engines, believed to have been caused by a bird strike. The Boeing 737-800 flight bound for Melbourne was diverted to Invercargill Airport.

Invercargill

A Virgin Australia plane has made an emergency landing in New Zealand after flames were seen coming from one of its engines. The Boeing 737-800 was en route from Queenstown to Melbourne when it was forced to divert to Invercargill Airport. Initial reports suggest the incident may have been caused by a bird strike.

The aircraft was carrying 67 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident. Witness Hamish Walker reported hearing a loud bang and saw flames coming from the plane's engine approximately every few seconds. Walker described the noise as the "worst" he had ever heard.

Virgin Airlines Chief Operating Officer Stuart Aggs confirmed that all passengers disembarked safely, and there were no reports of physical injuries. Emergency services were on the ground at Invercargill Airport to assist. The airline is focused on providing support and onward travel arrangements for the affected passengers and crew.



Virgin flight makes emergency landing after engine fire

Well, Ursula, the Virgin Plane departed Queenstown earlier this evening, but it was forced to land less than an hour later after flames were seen coming from the engine. The plane, bound for Melbourne, was carrying 67 passengers and 6 crew. It landed in Vicargill about 6.50pm local time, almost 200km away from Queenstown. Witness Hamish Walker told 10 News he was at home cooking dinner at the time when he heard an almighty bang. And I heard this massive bang, like a massive backfire of a car. So I went outside looking for, like, where this car has crashed, and then I looked up and saw this plane, basically flames coming out every two or three seconds, and it was just the worst noise I've ever heard. I knew something was wrong. Virgin Airlines Chief Operating Officer Stuart Aggs has confirmed that all passengers have disembarked safely. The airline believes the incident may have been caused by a bird strike, and in a statement it says, At this time, we are not aware of any physical injuries to guests or crew. Emergency services personnel are on the ground at Invercargill Airport. Our efforts are now focused on providing support for our guests and crew, as well as transporting and accommodating guests in Invercargill this evening and arranging for their earliest onward travel to Australia. Obviously a great outcome, Ursula, but it would have been a terrifying 45 minutes or so for all those on board.

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