The plane was forced to make an emergency landing following fire in the engine due to a supposed bird strike
A Boeing plane was forced to make an emergency landing after fire was seen coming from the aircraft as it flew over Queenstown, New Zealand.
Local emergency services told Newsweek that they attended the scene after flames «were reported to be coming from one engine».
The Virgin Airlines Boeing 737, which was flying from Queenstown, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia was diverted to Invercargill Airport.
Members of the public reported seeing flames apparently coming from one of the engines, although Virgin airlines later suggested the fire had been caused by a «possible bird strike».
Newsweek has reached out to representatives from Boeing for comment.
Virgin Australia Chief Operations Officer Stuart Aggs told Newsweek that: «Virgin Australia flight VA148 from Queenstown to Invercargill Airport and landed safely following a possible bird strike on take-off this evening.»
He added that the aircraft «has been met by emergency services at Invercargill Airport. The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority.»
«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», he said.
