A man aboard a Singapore Airlines flight en route from London to died and dozens of other passengers and crew were injured during extreme turbulence. The flight, (flight SQ321), ended up diverting to Bangkok, Thailand, where multiple passengers were taken off the aircraft on stretchers and others were treated at the scene. The man who perished, was a 73-year-old man from the U. K.
The plane was a Boeing 777-300ER with 211 people onboard and at least 71 people were reported to have injuries. The flight left Heathrow Airport on Monday en route to Singapore and was about 10 hours into the flight. The flight time to Singapore from London is about 13 hours.
A statement released by the airline said:
“Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024,20 May 2024, encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok, and landed at 1545hrs local time on 21 May 2024.
We can confirm that there were multiple injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
As of 1950hrs Singapore time on 21 May 2024, 18 individuals had been hospitalised. Another 12 were being treated in hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.
There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.
The nationalities of the passengers are as follows: 56 from Australia, 2 from Canada, 1 from Germany, 3 from India, 2 from Indonesia, 1 from Iceland, 4 from Ireland, 1 from Israel, 16 from Malaysia, 2 from Myanmar, 23 from New Zealand, 5 from the Philippines, 41 from Singapore, 1 from South Korea, 2 from Spain, 47 from the United Kingdom, and 4 from the United States of America.
Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.
We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance. A Singapore Airlines team is on its way to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed.
SIA is working with the relevant authorities on the investigation into this incident.
Relatives seeking information may call the Singapore Airlines hotlines at +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom).”