‘Scary’ and ‘violent’: NZ considers investigation into Latam mid-air plane drop that injured dozens

Latam Airlines flight LA800 was headed to Auckland when plane’s ‘gauges just blanked out’ due to technical problem, pilot reportedly told passengers

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

New Zealand authorities are weighing an investigation into a sudden mid-air drop on an Auckland-bound flight that left passengers bloodied, hospitalised dozens and “felt like an earthquake had just hit the ship”.

Latam Airlines flight LA800 departed Sydney at 11.35am on Monday with 263 passengers and nine flight and cabin crew headed for Auckland. About two-thirds of the way into the three hour flight, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – which was eight years old according to flight tracking data – “experienced a strong shake”, the airline said.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup