One person was killed, and over 30 were injured when the plane ran into extreme turbulence. Here are key points:
- A 73-year-old British man died after a Singapore Airlines flight hit severe turbulence
- The Boeing 777 aeroplane was travelling from London to Singapore when it ran into an “air pocket” over Thai airspace
- After the plane suddenly dropped, oxygen masks were released, and objects went flying around the cabin
- In addition to the one death, seven people suffered critical head injuries and 23 others were hurt
What was it like on the turbulent flight?
Andrew Davies, a passenger on the flight, described the terrifying experience to BBC Radio:
“I had my seatbelt on, which is very lucky because all of a sudden, the plane just dropped. Things were flying everywhere – there was screaming and a huge thudding sound of bags hitting the ceiling.”
“When it stopped, I looked around and saw people covered in blood. An elderly lady had an awful gash on her head. A gentleman was lying on the floor unconscious and not moving.”
Davies said he tried to help other injured passengers until the plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand, shortly after the turbulence hit.
“It was incredibly severe turbulence…nothing close to this before” – Passenger Andrew Davies.
Over 30 Injuries Reported
According to Thai airport officials who spoke at a news conference:
- A 73-year-old British passenger likely died from a heart attack during the turbulence
- Seven people suffered critical head injuries and had to be hospitalized
- 23 other passengers sustained minor injuries
- Nine crew members also went to the hospital with minor injuries
The flight, which was carrying 263 passengers and 18 crew members, was on its way from London to Singapore when it encountered extreme air turbulence over Thailand.
“No Warning” of Turbulence
Aviation experts say it is unusual for a plane to experience such severe turbulence without warning or signs of unstable air conditions.
However, passenger Andrew Davies recalled that the seatbelt sign did come on right before the abrupt drop, suggesting there may have been little to no advance notice of the rough air ahead.
The cause of the extreme turbulence is still under investigation by aviation authorities.
What Is Air Turbulence?
Air turbulence happens when a plane flies through unstable pockets of air, causing it to bounce up and down or from side to side unexpectedly. The bumpiness can range from mild to severe.
While turbulence may seem scary, it is not dangerous for the plane. However, injuries can occur to unbuckled passengers and objects thrown around the cabin.
Does reading about this turbulence incident make you nervous to fly? Or do you have any previous experience with rough flights? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
The screenshot is taken from: telegraph.co.uk
