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Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 VA148 Makes Emergency Landing in New Zealand After Engine Fire

Jun 17, 2024, 08:50 AM

A Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800 flight VA148 from Queenstown to Melbourne made an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport in New Zealand on June 17 after an engine caught fire during takeoff. The fire, which may have been caused by a possible bird strike, forced the aircraft to shut down one of its engines. Loud bangs were heard during the incident. Despite the incident, the plane landed safely and was met by emergency services upon arrival. The New Zealand fire service confirmed the safe landing and no injuries were reported.