The hole in the aircraft caused by the lightning strike. — Photo Diễn Đàn Hàng Không

HCM CITY — Vietnam Airlines flight VN1830 was struck by lightning as it arrived At Tân Sơn Nhất Airport in Hồ Chí Minh City from Phú Quốc.

The bolt pierced through the hull of the aircraft creating a hole.

According to reports, the incident happened at airport landing site P79 at 7:58 PM on Monday. Two airport workers of Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company (VIAGS) were standing near the aircraft waiting for instructions.

After lightning struck, the two workers were shocked and transported to the domestic terminal at Tân Sơn Nhất, then transferred to 175 Military Hospital for treatment.

At the hospital, the workers vomited and had haemorrhages. Their conditions stabilised on Tuesday morning although they are still at the hospital for further monitoring.

Groundworkers assessed the aircraft and detected a hole in its hull. The plane, an Airbus A321 was then decommissioned for repairs.

According to a representative from the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAA), lightning strikes at airports are common, but strikes that puncture aircraft and cause injuries are rare.

The representative said that the strikes at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport are classified as an aviation incident, not an accident. — VNS