1 dead, more than 70 injured during extreme turbulence of Singapore Airlines flight
The flight dropped 6000 feet within minutes due to turbulence, resulting several injuries and 1 death.
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence mid-air over the Indian Ocean. The turbulence caused the flight to descend more than 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) within three minutes, resulting in the death of a 73-year-old British national (possibly of heart attack) and injuring over two dozen passengers.
The Boeing 777 aircraft was operating from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore with 211 passengers and 18 crew members. On May 20, the flight encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet height, 10 hours post departure. It is also reported that there were 3 Indian nationals on board this flight.
Due to the turbulence and unfavourable weather conditions, the flight was diverted and landed in Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines Flight: Turbulence and Diversion
A relief flight carrying 143 passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore this morning at 5:05 AM (2:35 AM IST). Another 79 passengers and six crew members remain in Bangkok, including those who were severely injured and are receiving medical care.
In a statement issued by the carrier, it said, “Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time. We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance.”
The airline was using a 16-year-old Boeing 777 model for this flight. They are working with the relevant authorities to investigate this incident.
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing also extended their condolences to the family of the British man who died aboard that Boeing 777-300ER.
“We are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding flight SQ321 and stand ready to support them,” said Boeing in an X(Twitter) post.
The following are the nationalities of the passengers aboard flight SQ321: Australia accounted for 56, followed by Canada (2), Germany (1), India (3), Indonesia (2), Iceland (4), Ireland (1), Israel (1), Malaysia (16), Myanmar (2), New Zealand (23), the Philippines (5), Singapore (41), South Korea (1), Spain (2), the United Kingdom (47), and the United States of America (4).
The airline has issued hotlines for relatives seeking any information: +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom).
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