Passenger from Singapore Airlines Dies After Boeing Jet Encounters ‘Severe Turbulence’
A tragic incident occurred on a Singapore Airlines Jet as a passenger lost their life, and at least 18 others were hospitalized due to severe turbulence on flight SQ321 from London Heathrow Airport to Singapore at an altitude of 37,000 feet over the Irrawaddy Basin.
The pilot declared a medical emergency, leading the flight to be diverted to Bangkok where it landed on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. local time as confirmed by the airline.
Confirmation of a fatality and numerous injuries was provided by the airline on the social media platform X.
More information about the passengers’ conditions was shared on Facebook by the airline, stating, “As of 1950hrs Singapore time (7:50 p.m.) on 21 May 2024, 18 individuals have been hospitalized. Another 12 are being treated in hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew are being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.”
The flight, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, which typically accommodates 360-380 passengers, had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
Related Stories
An update from the airline mentioned the nationalities of the passengers onboard: 56 Australians, 47 from the United Kingdom, 41 Singaporeans, 23 from Myanmar and New Zealand each, 16 from Malaysia, and a few from other countries including four Americans.
The airline expressed deep regret for the turbulence incident, offering condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and providing assistance to those affected.
Efforts were underway to assist passengers and individuals requiring medical attention or help in identifying injured loved ones as stated by the airline.
The airline also mentioned collaborating with Thai authorities and dispatching a team for further support.
Hotline numbers were provided for relatives seeking information about passengers on the flight.
Unfortunately, a 73-year-old British man lost his life, likely due to a heart attack, according to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s general manager.
Passengers described a sudden altitude drop during the turbulence, resulting in unsecured passengers being thrown within the aircraft.
More updates on the situation were promised by the airline on Facebook and X.
Details were not disclosed regarding safety protocols during turbulence, compliance of passengers, or any aircraft malfunctions contributing to the turbulence.
An investigation into the incident will likely reveal more information about the cause of the turbulence.
Boeing has been under scrutiny for safety violations at its manufacturing facilities, and incidents involving its aircraft have been reported.
Most of these incidents involve Boeing 737 aircraft.
Reuters contributed to this report.
