Severe Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight: One Fatality and Dozens Injured
On May 21st, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was hit by severe turbulence, leading to one fatality and numerous injuries. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300 ER, was roughly ten hours into its journey when the turbulence occurred. The pilot, recognizing the gravity of the situation, made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
Medical Emergency Among Severe Turbulence
The turbulence began abruptly while flight attendants were serving breakfast. Passengers described a sudden, violent drop that caused those not wearing seatbelts to be thrown against the ceiling. A 73-year-old British man tragically lost his life, presumably from a heart attack, and at least 71 other passengers were treated at hospitals. Seven remained in critical condition. Footage shared on social media showed damaged interiors, with dented luggage racks and scattered personal items.
Response and Investigation
Upon landing in Bangkok at 3:45 p.m. local time, emergency services promptly attended to the injured, with a convoy of ambulances transferring them to nearby hospitals. Singapore Airlines has extended its condolences to the deceased's family and assured cooperation with authorities to provide all possible assistance to those affected. Both passengers and airline experts emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts at all times during flights to minimize injuries during unexpected turbulence.
- Passenger accounts highlighted the chaotic few seconds when the plane rapidly descended, instilling panic and causing people to scream in terror. Previous photos and videos posted online revealed the extensive disarray inside the cabin post-turbulence, although not all visuals have been verified.
- Singapore Airlines has a strong safety record, with the last serious incident recorded in 2000. The carrier has been consistently noted as one of the best in the industry, which underscores the unusual severity of this incident.
