A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, operating as Flight SQ321, flying from London to Singapore was hit by severe turbulence, and was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport where it made an emergency landing at 3:45 PM local time.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) stated that the aircraft was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.A 73-year-old British passenger has died, confirmed by the airline, and in an update over 71 passengers have sustained injuries till now, as reported by CNN.
Details of the Incident
The turbulence struck approximately 11 hours into the flight, causing the aircraft to plummet from 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within five minutes as it concluded its passage over the Andaman Sea and approached Thailand, according to FlightRadar 24 data, as per Reuters report.
Passengers reported a sudden and dramatic drop, with individuals and objects being violently thrown around the cabin.
As reported, one passenger, Dzafran Azmir, described the scene: “Suddenly the aircraft started tilting up and there was shaking...very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing a seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling.”
Immediate Response?
Upon landing, Thai emergency services, including ambulances and medical teams, were on standby to assist the injured.
As reported earlier, Singapore Airlines confirmed that 18 passengers were hospitalised, while another 12 received medical treatment at the airport.
SIA said it is helping all passengers and crew on board Flight SQ 321 and is also working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance. A team from SIA was dispatched to Bangkok to further aid in the situation.
Singapore Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat expressed his condolences and assured that the government, along with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport officials, are offering support.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also conveyed his sympathies, stating that efforts are underway to support those affected.
Seat belts crucial during Turbulence?
Experts noted that deaths caused by turbulence are extremely rare. Andrew Charlton, director of Aviation Advocacy, explained that the turbulence likely resulted from flying over a tropical area prone to thunderstorms.
He also mentioned that sudden changes in air temperature at dusk could have exacerbated the turbulence. Charlton emphasised that while the Boeing 777-300ER is designed to withstand severe turbulence, passengers not wearing seatbelts remain at risk.
Photo: Multiple Sources
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