Singapore: A Singapore Airlines flight going from London to Singapore underwent severe turbulence due to bad weather conditions, leaving one person dead and several others injured. According to media reports, the plane was cruising at 37,000 feet when shortly after 0800 GMT, the Boeing 777 sharply pitched down to 31,000 feet (9,400 meters) within a three-minute period.
It stayed at 31,000 feet for just under 10 minutes before rapidly descending and was required to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok at 3:45 pm (local time).
In a statement shared on X, the Singapore Airlines confirmed the incident and said: "Flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time on 21 May 2024".
Offering its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, the air carrier said that it will be providing all possible assistance to the passengers and crew on board the aircraft.
"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed," the airlines said.
There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members when emergency staff from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Thailand arrived on the site to assist the injured.
Photographs from inside the plane showed gashes in the overhead cabin panels, oxygen masks and panels hanging from the ceiling and luggage strewn around. Other images showed food and debris strewn throughout the aircraft.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has promised a “thorough investigation” and offered condolences to the family of 73-year-old grandfather, Geoffrey Kitchen, who died in the incident. “I also hope and pray that those who are injured will recover and return home soon,” Wong said.
