A Virgin Australia flight from Queenstown to Melbourne made an emergency landing at Invercargill Airport after a possible bird strike caused an engine fire shortly after takeoff, authorities said Wednesday.

The Boeing 737, carrying an undisclosed number of passengers, was forced to divert and landed safely approximately 50 minutes after takeoff. Emergency services, including fire trucks, met the plane upon arrival after a witness reported seeing an engine on fire. The incident underscores the risks associated with bird strikes, a relatively rare but potentially serious hazard in aviation, especially in regions with significant bird activity.

The flight, identified as VA161, experienced the emergency [shortly after departing](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630) at 10:15 AM local time. Eyewitnesses reported seeing [flames and smoke coming from one of the plane's engines](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jetliner-engine-fire-new-zealand-virgin-australia-boeing-737/) as it ascended from the runway.

"I saw the plane just after it took off; there was a [loud bang and then flames came out of the engine](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630)," said Barry Johnson, a local resident who was near the airport at the time. "It was quite a frightening sight to see."

Virgin Australia confirmed that [the plane diverted as a precaution](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630) and the [safety of passengers and crew](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630) was the primary focus. "The flight crew immediately followed standard procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on board," the airline said in a statement. "We appreciate the calm and organization demonstrated by our passengers during this incident."

[Bird strikes](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630) are a known aviation hazard, often occurring during [takeoff or landing](https://abcnews.go.com/International/virgin-australia-flight-makes-emergency-landing-after-bird/story?id=111175630) when aircraft are flying at lower altitudes. The impact with birds can cause significant [damage to engines](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jetliner-engine-fire-new-zealand-virgin-australia-boeing-737/) or other critical components of an aircraft. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), there are over 13,000 bird strikes reported annually worldwide.

New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicates that while [bird strikes are relatively rare](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/passenger-plane-lands-safely-new-zealand-fire-shuts-engine-rcna157459), they have been involved in several past incidents. "New Zealand's diverse bird population poses a continual risk to the aviation sector," said a spokesperson for the CAA. "We work closely with airports to implement bird management programs aimed at reducing these encounters."

Instances like the one on VA161 highlight the importance of wildlife management in the aviation industry. Airports globally use a variety of methods such as habitat modification, wildlife patrols, and the deployment of bird detection radar to minimize the risks posed by bird strikes. "Continuous monitoring and effective management strategies are essential to mitigating these risks," added the CAA spokesperson.

Passengers on the affected flight were transported to their final destination later that day on an alternative Virgin Australia aircraft. The airline provided accommodations and meals to those in need during the delay. "We apologize for the inconvenience caused and are grateful for the understanding shown by our passengers," the airline's statement concluded.