Dozens hurt after emergency landing in West Australia

08/10/2008 03:52:47

Two planes are on their way to Exmouth in Western Australia's north to collect passengers injured on a Qantas flight from Singapore.

Our reporter Claire Nichols says Qantas flight 72 from Singapore was forced to land at learmonth airport this afternoon after what's believed to have been a sudden change in altitude.

Up to 40 passengers were injured, 10 seriously, with injuries including fractures and lacerations.

The Airbus A330-300 had been due to land at Perth Airport just after two o'clock this afternoon.

Family and friends have been told two planes are on their way to Exmouth to collect those passengers who are able to fly this evening.

Qantas says it doesn't know what caused the plane to lose altitude.

A team of investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is on its way to Exmouth to try to find out what caused the incident.

The team will examine the aircraft as well as the black box and cockpit voice recorder.

Investigators also plan to interview the pilots, crew and passengers.

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