Manila, July 25 : Melbourne-bound Qantas Boeing 747 with a large gash in its fuselage was forced to make an emergency landing today after a terrifying 20,000 foot drop.

The plane, carrying 350 passengers, had taken off from Hong Kong and was diverted to Manila after what was described as "rapid decompression", The Age reported.

Passengers said they heard a loud bang as oxygen masks dropped. (ANI)