World | Australia
Qantas aircraft makes emergency landing
A Qantas plane with over 300 passengers aboard was forced to land at an airport in northwest Australia following severe turbulence, police said.
- Agencies
- Published: 11:26 October 7, 2008
Sydney: A Qantas plane with over 300 passengers aboard was forced to land at an airport in northwest Australia following severe turbulence, police said.
Qantas flight QF72, an A330-300 with 303 passengers and 10 crew was headed to Australia from Singapore on Tuesday but was forced to land after the midair incident occurred.
"While cruising in level flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden in-flight upset, resulting in injuries to a number of cabin crew and passengers, primarily in the rear of the aircraft," the Australian Air Transport Safety Bureau said in a statement.
"The crew declared a MAYDAY and diverted the aircraft to Learmonth, near Exmouth," it said.
Scores of passengers were injured in the incident, many seriously.
"Early reports indicate that three cabin crew and approximately 30 passengers sustained injuries, including about 15 with serious injuries, namely broken bones and lacerations," Air Transport Safety Bureau said.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Philippine massacre probe focuses on Arroyo ally
Arroyo vows justice for the victims and declares a national day of mourning
-
Italian PM gets 'Rockstar of the Year' title
Magazine hails Berlusconi's lifestyle
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
