Tragedy struck aboard a Singapore Airlines flight on Tuesday when severe turbulence resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to 30 others. The incident occurred during the flight from London to Singapore, prompting an emergency landing in Bangkok.
According to Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, the turbulence occurred while cabin crew were serving breakfast. The sudden and violent movement of the aircraft led the pilots to request an emergency landing.
Images from inside the plane revealed significant damage, with large gashes in overhead cabin panels, dislodged gas masks, and scattered personal belongings. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with passengers and crew members suffering injuries as they were tossed around the cabin.
Tragically, a 73-year-old British man lost his life during the incident, likely due to a heart attack. Seven others sustained critical injuries, while many more suffered bruises and head injuries.
In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized for the traumatic experience endured by passengers and crew. The airline confirmed that 18 people had been hospitalized, with additional support provided to those in need.
While the exact cause of the turbulence remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude, causing passengers to be thrown upwards. Passenger Dzafran Azmir recounted the harrowing experience, describing how individuals were propelled into the ceiling and injured by overhead compartments.
Turbulence-related incidents are not uncommon in aviation, accounting for a significant portion of airline accidents. Despite the severity of this incident, Singapore Airlines has a strong safety record, with no major incidents in recent years.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved, expressed condolences to the affected individuals and pledged support to Singapore Airlines and local authorities. The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau will conduct an investigation into the incident to determine its cause and prevent future occurrences.
