Dramatic images have been shared online of the moment flames began to pop from one of the engines onboard a Virgin Australia flight from Queenstown to Melbourne.
Flight VA148 had just taken off from the mountainous city of Queenstown when it experienced a possible bird strike.
The terrain, which can act a bit like an amphitheatre meant the noise was heard by dozens of local residents who grabbed their phones and recorded the flaming engine on their phones.
The flight was diverted to Invercargill at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island, likely due to it having a longer runway and more favourable flat terrain.
A spokesperson for Virgin Australia confirm that all passengers disembarked VA148, which landed safely at Invercargill Airport following a possible bird-strike after departing from Queenstown Airport.
It said the airlnie was not aware of any physical injuries to guests or crew. Emergency services personnel did respond.
“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.
“The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 registered VH-YIV, departed Queenstown at approximately 6pm local time and landed safely at Invercargill at approximately 6.50pm. There were 67 guests and 6 crew on board.
“We wish to express our appreciation for the support of Invercargill Airport, Emergency Services, local Air New Zealand team members and our crew onboard in helping to support tonight’s response effort,” the spokesperson said.
