One person has died and multiple passengers were injured on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore after the aircraft experienced severe turbulence, leading to an emergency diversion to Bangkok on Tuesday, the airline confirmed.
“We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER.
There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board,” Singapore Airlines announced on Facebook.
The airline also confirmed the incident on its X account, stating, “Singapore Airlines 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.
We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER.
Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.”
The airline added that it is collaborating with Thai authorities to provide medical assistance to injured passengers and has dispatched a team to Bangkok to offer additional support.
Turbulence during a flight, which refers to the irregular or unpredictable movement of air causing sudden, erratic motions, is a common occurrence and can range from mild bumps to severe jolts.
Flight tracking data indicated that the plane plummeted more than 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) in just five minutes over the Andaman Sea.
The incident occurred amid thunderstorms as Thailand’s annual rainy season began.
At 3:35 pm local time, Suvarnabhumi Airport received a distress call from the Singapore Airlines flight, reporting passenger injuries due to turbulence and requesting an emergency landing.
“The plane landed at the airport, and the medical team was dispatched to treat the injured,” read the airport’s statement.
The deceased passenger has been identified as a foreign national, a non-Thai citizen.
Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, expressed his sorrow in a Facebook post, offering condolences to the family of the deceased.
He stated, “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. We will ensure that all affected passengers receive the necessary support and care.”
The airline has committed to providing regular updates on the situation through its Facebook and X accounts.
