Fatal Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight Causes Death and Dozens of Injuries
A Singapore Airlines flight departing from London Heathrow experienced severe turbulence en-route to Singapore, leading to an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 10:45 a.m. Spanish time on Tuesday. Tragically, one person was confirmed dead, and dozens of others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred on a Boeing 777-300ER with 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, mid-flight, approximately 11 hours after takeoff. Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old passenger, recounted the sudden tilting and dramatic drop in altitude, which caused unbelted passengers to be thrown against the ceiling. Many suffered head trauma as a result.
Data from FlightRadar24 revealed that the plane descended sharply from 11,300 meters to 9,500 meters in just five minutes before stabilizing. Emergency services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport were on standby, providing immediate medical care to the injured passengers upon landing. Local media reported around 30 injuries.
Singapore Airlines, via their X profile, extended their deepest condolences to the deceased's family and committed to offering all necessary assistance. They are working closely with Thai authorities to address the medical needs of affected passengers. This event marks the eighth recorded incident in Singapore Airlines' history, with the last notable incident occurring in November 2017.
Singapore's Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, expressed his sorrow and condolences through social media. Although turbulence is usually not a safety hazard, a 2023 study from the University of Reading indicates that severe turbulence has increased by 55% over the last 40 years and may triple by the end of the century.
- The emergent distress onboard SQ321 underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel turbulence. The steep descent recorded by FlightRadar24 is evidence of the extreme conditions faced by passengers and crew during the incident.
- A dedicated response from Thai immigration police and medical personnel showcased effective emergency protocols, ensuring quick assessment and treatment of injuries. This event raises awareness about the importance of wearing seat belts throughout the flight.
