A routine Singapore Airlines flight turned into a harrowing ordeal as severe turbulence wreaked havoc on board, claiming one life and injuring 30 passengers. The airline confirmed the distressing incident on Tuesday, detailing the terrifying ordeal faced by those on board Singapore Airlines Flight 321.
The flight, en route from London Heathrow to Singapore, encountered unexpected turbulence approximately 10 hours into the journey, sending shockwaves through the cabin of the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. With 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, the sudden turbulence jolted the jet into a perilous situation over Thai airspace.
As the aircraft plunged into an air pocket, the pilot swiftly diverted course, making an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, revealed in a press conference that the turbulence had tragically claimed the life of a 73-year-old British national, suspected to have succumbed to a heart attack amidst the chaos.
Singapore Airlines disclosed that 18 individuals sustained injuries requiring hospitalization, with 12 currently undergoing treatment in local medical facilities. The remaining passengers and crew are receiving necessary medical attention at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Weather conditions at the time were treacherous, with severe thunderstorms menacing the region. Flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 noted a rapid change in vertical rate, indicative of the abrupt turbulence encountered by the flight.
In response to the incident, Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau has initiated inquiries, collaborating closely with authorities in Thailand to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the turbulence.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family and extending apologies to affected passengers and crew, Singapore Airlines pledged full support during this distressing period. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, affirmed its cooperation with the airline, ready to provide assistance as needed. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in air travel, with turbulence-related incidents ranking among the most common accidents encountered by commercial airlines. While such occurrences are infrequent, the toll they exact on passengers and crew underscores the importance of aviation safety measures.
