Singapore Airlines Flight Experiences Severe Turbulence, Leading to One Fatality and Multiple Injuries
Chaos unfolded on Tuesday when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore experienced a sudden and severe drop. The incident resulted in one fatality and injuries to 30 individuals. The flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, encountered “severe turbulence,” necessitating an emergency landing in Bangkok. Seven critically injured passengers sustained head injuries.
Several videos taken during the turbulence emerged on social media, depicting passengers being “flung into lockers,” loose items scattered across the cabin floor, and air ducts exposed. In one such video shared by Sky News, passengers aboard Singapore Airlines were seen experiencing a sudden and violent jolt due to the strong turbulence.
This is the moment a flight attendant was thrown to the ceiling of the plane after violent turbulence.
Ten people had minor injuries on the flight from Pristina to EuroAirport Basel.
For the latest videos, head here: https://t.co/hhDQuQ1top pic.twitter.com/q55fSGl1dQ
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 17, 2019
Sky News shared the video on X, stating, “This is the moment a flight attendant was thrown to the ceiling of the plane after violent turbulence.” Other social media users reported that “passengers were flung to the ceiling when the plane experienced a 7,000 ft drop.” Photos released by Reuters also showed the damaged interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321.
After the emergency landing in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport General Manager Kittipong Kittikachorn told Reuters that the flight fell into an air pocket while cabin crew were serving breakfast. This prompted the pilots to request an emergency landing.
🚨🚨🚨Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 flight SQ321 from London to Singapore dropped about 6000 feet due to an air pocket & severe turbulence. 1 Passenger has died and over 30 injured #SingaporeAirlines #Boeing pic.twitter.com/zwSFfnERaX
— Rosy (@rose_k01) May 21, 2024
“Suddenly there was a very dramatic drop, so everyone seated and not wearing a seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling. Some people hit their heads on the overhead baggage cabins, denting them. They hit the places where lights and masks are stored and broke straight through them,” a witness told Reuters.
Meanwhile, an X user shared a video showing the “aftermath of Singapore Airlines flight 321 from London to Singapore, which had to divert to Bangkok due to severe turbulence… Blood everywhere, destroyed cabin.”
Singapore Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, a Boeing 777, was traveling from London (Heathrow) to Singapore. “The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 15:45 local time on 21 May 2024,” the airline said in a statement on Tuesday.
Aftermath of Singapore Airlines flight 321 from London to Singapore which had to divert to Bangkok due to severe turbulence. One death passenger and several injured. Blood everywhere, destroyed cabin. #singaporeairlines #sq321 pic.twitter.com/C2FgrVt9yv
— Josh Cahill (@gotravelyourway) May 21, 2024
“We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER,” the carrier stated. “Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” it posted on X.
Singapore Airlines also shared hotline numbers on social media platforms for relatives seeking information. They may call the Singapore Airlines hotlines at +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom).
Boeing expressed its condolences following the fatality on the Singapore Airlines flight. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one, and our thoughts are with the passengers and crew,” the company said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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