More than 20 passengers aboard a Singapore Airlines flight remain in intensive care with severe injuries, following a turbulence incident on Tuesday. According to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok, 22 patients suffer from spine and spinal cord issues, six have cranial injuries, and 13 others are dealing with bone and muscle problems. Tragically, one person died in the incident.
Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene as turbulence caused passengers and crew to be violently thrown across the cabin. Josh Silverstone, a British passenger, recounted feeling 'happy to be alive' despite sustaining injuries. He noted that many others were in worse condition.
Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence at 37,000 feet, causing it to descend sharply and then ascend repeatedly. Many passengers were having breakfast during the incident. Videos and images showed significant damage within the plane, with smashed overhead compartments and emergency oxygen masks hanging over seats.
Dzafran Azmir, a passenger on the chaotic flight, described how passengers were flung across the aisle and injured by hitting the ceiling. The plane made an emergency landing at Bangkok Airport after a 73-year-old man died. The turbulence continued for more than a minute, rising and falling repeatedly, exacerbating the injuries.
Initial data from Flightradar24 indicated that the plane experienced very severe turbulence above Myanmar, causing significant disruptions. Those who were standing or unbuckled suffered the most. As the injured received treatment post-landing, many remained in shock from the traumatic experience.
- Onboard Flight SQ321, passengers from several countries including Australia, Malaysia, the UK, New Zealand, Spain, the US, and Ireland. Despite the trauma, the airline managed to arrange a relief flight to Singapore for 143 unaffected passengers and crew.
- Emergency response teams were on standby in Bangkok, facilitating quick medical attention for the injured. Dr. Adinun Kittiratanapaibool mentioned that 17 patients underwent various surgical procedures, from stitches to spinal operations.