WELLINGTON - A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 made a safe emergency landing in Auckland on Friday after being hit by lightning.

The plane, from 40 Squadron, was hit shortly after leaving Whenuapai air base carrying military personnel to Wellington, Radio New Zealand reported.

The plane turned around as a precautionary measure. There have been no reports of injuries or damage to the plane.

The Fire Service has three appliances on standby at Whenuapai Air Force base.