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Wellington: A passenger plane landed safely at a New Zealand airport on Monday (June 17) after one of its engines caught fire, the New Zealand Fire Department said.
The Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which was bound for Melbourne, Australia, was forced to divert due to the fire. It was carrying 67 passengers and 6 crew members and eventually landed in Invercargill, New Zealand.
The airline’s chief operating officer, Stuart Aggs, said in an emailed statement that the incident was likely caused by a “bird strike.”
The plane burst into flames shortly after taking off from Queenstown Airport. Airport spokeswoman Catherine Nind said it was not yet clear what happened.
“At this time, we are not aware of any injuries to passengers or crew,” Argus said, adding that passengers on flight VA148 would stay overnight in Invercargill and alternative flights would be arranged for them.
Argus also thanked Invercargill Airport staff, local Air New Zealand crew, flight crew and emergency services for their support in responding to the incident on behalf of Virgin Australia.
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