A tragic incident occurred when a Singapore Airlines flight from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, resulting in one passenger's death and injuries to 30 others. The incident took place on May 21, as the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, operating as Flight SQ321, flew over the Irrawaddy Basin approximately 10 hours after its departure from London.
Singapore Airlines reported on Facebook that the aircraft experienced “sudden extreme turbulence,” prompting the pilot to declare a medical emergency and divert to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The plane landed safely at 3.45 pm local time (4.45 pm Singapore time). Tragically, a 73-year-old British passenger, Mr. Geoffrey Kitchen, died, likely due to a heart attack, according to Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Of the 211 passengers on board, 18 were hospitalized, while another 12 received treatment at local hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were assessed and treated at the airport. The passengers included 41 Singaporeans and individuals from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Britain. There were 18 crew members on board, nine of whom were also taken to the hospital.
Singapore Airlines has dispatched 50 staff to Bangkok to assist the affected passengers. The airline expressed its deepest condolences to Mr. Kitchen's family and apologized for the traumatic experience endured by all on the flight.
Mr. Kittipong explained that the turbulence struck as the cabin crew were serving breakfast, causing unsecured passengers to be thrown into the air, some hitting the overhead compartments. Images and videos from the scene showed bloodstains on the cabin floor and debris, including food, disposable cutlery, and bottles, scattered throughout the cabin. Some ceiling panels were damaged, revealing internal tubing.
FlightRadar24, a live flight tracker, indicated that severe thunderstorms in the area likely contributed to the turbulence. Data showed a rapid change in the aircraft's vertical rate, consistent with a severe turbulence event, which lasted nearly a minute.
Singapore’s leaders expressed their condolences and support on social media. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated, “We are working closely with the Thai authorities and doing everything we can to support the passengers and crew.” President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also conveyed his sadness over the incident and the resulting injuries.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Singapore Airlines reported on Facebook that the aircraft experienced “sudden extreme turbulence,” prompting the pilot to declare a medical emergency and divert to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The plane landed safely at 3.45 pm local time (4.45 pm Singapore time). Tragically, a 73-year-old British passenger, Mr. Geoffrey Kitchen, died, likely due to a heart attack, according to Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Of the 211 passengers on board, 18 were hospitalized, while another 12 received treatment at local hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were assessed and treated at the airport. The passengers included 41 Singaporeans and individuals from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Britain. There were 18 crew members on board, nine of whom were also taken to the hospital.
Singapore Airlines has dispatched 50 staff to Bangkok to assist the affected passengers. The airline expressed its deepest condolences to Mr. Kitchen's family and apologized for the traumatic experience endured by all on the flight.
Mr. Kittipong explained that the turbulence struck as the cabin crew were serving breakfast, causing unsecured passengers to be thrown into the air, some hitting the overhead compartments. Images and videos from the scene showed bloodstains on the cabin floor and debris, including food, disposable cutlery, and bottles, scattered throughout the cabin. Some ceiling panels were damaged, revealing internal tubing.
FlightRadar24, a live flight tracker, indicated that severe thunderstorms in the area likely contributed to the turbulence. Data showed a rapid change in the aircraft's vertical rate, consistent with a severe turbulence event, which lasted nearly a minute.
Singapore’s leaders expressed their condolences and support on social media. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated, “We are working closely with the Thai authorities and doing everything we can to support the passengers and crew.” President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also conveyed his sadness over the incident and the resulting injuries.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
