A Virgin Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine fire in New Zealand, according to reports. 

The flight from Queenstown to Melbourne reportedly experienced an issue with one of its engines after takeoff. Witnesses heard loud bangs while flames could be seen coming out of the engine. 

Nick Lambert said he heard “one hell of a pulsing/throbbing noise” coming from one of the engines, which then shot flames out of it, reports the Mail Online.

Another witness said: “Sounded like it was coming apart over our house. One engine was throwing flames and sputtering out.”

It is believed that 73 people were on board at the time, and two have been injured after the emergency landing – a passenger and a crew member.

A Queenstown Airport spokeswoman said: “Virgin Australia flight VA148 departed Queenstown Airport at 5:59pm, bound for Melbourne. It experienced an issue just after takeoff and has been diverted to Invercargill Airport.”

Virgin Australia Chief Operations Officer Stuart Aggs said in a statement: ‘Virgin Australia flight VA148 from Queenstown to Melbourne diverted to Invercargill Airport and landed safely following a possible bird strike on take-off this evening.

“The aircraft has been met by emergency services at Invercargill Airport. The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority.”

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