On Monday, a Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 with Melbourne, Australia as its intended destination, encountered an unexpected engine fire shortly after takeoff from Queenstown, New Zealand. The aircraft was forced to divert to the nearest airport, Invercargill, where it landed safely under the watchful eyes of awaiting fire trucks.
The plane's safe landing came approximately 50 minutes after its departure from Queenstown. However, the cause of the engine fire and the exact number of passengers aboard remain unknown.
Catherine Nind, a spokesperson for Queenstown Airport, acknowledged the incident but could not provide further details. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia, in a brief statement, suggested that the cause of the engine fire may be attributed to a possible bird strike, a not uncommon occurrence in aviation.
Queenstown, a picturesque town nestled in New Zealand's South Island, draws a multitude of tourists each year, lured by its stunning alpine scenery, world-renowned ski slopes, and plethora of adventure activities. The incident involving the Virgin Australia flight underscores the importance of aviation safety measures and the preparedness of emergency services to respond effectively to such events.
