A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was diverted to Bangkok after experiencing severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to 71 others.
Gatekeepers News reports that Flight SQ321, carrying 284 passengers and 16 crew members, hit severe air pockets about an hour and a half into the flight, causing the plane to drop 6,000 feet in just three minutes.
The sudden and intense turbulence threw passengers and crew around the cabin, with some hitting their heads on the ceiling and others being thrown from their seats.
One passenger, a 73-year-old man, died during the incident, while 30 others were treated for injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious head wounds.
The British man identified as Geoff Kitchen died in the incident from a suspected heart condition, the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport Kittipong Kittikachorn said Tuesday, adding that the autopsy process was still ongoing.
The Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok, which received the injured passengers, said at least 71 people were injured, with six severely. Those injured include citizens of Malaysia, the UK, New Zealand, Spain, the US and Ireland.
Kittikachorn, who inspected the aircraft, said some injured passengers sustained broken arms.
The flight was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where medical personnel and emergency services were waiting to assist the injured passengers. The cause of the severe turbulence is currently under investigation by aviation authorities.
Singapore Airlines has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and is providing support to all affected passengers.
