A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after experiencing severe turbulence over Myanmar. Here are the key points:
- One passenger died from a suspected heart attack
- Over 30 people were injured, with seven critically hurt
- The turbulence caused the plane to plunge downward suddenly
- Passengers hit ceilings and were thrown around the cabin
- The pilot diverted to Bangkok instead of continuing to Singapore
Why did this terrifying incident occur? Let’s examine the harrowing details.
Severe Turbulence Strikes Without Warning
Singapore Airlines flight 321, from London to Singapore, was cruising smoothly over Myanmar when it suddenly encountered extreme turbulence. With no advance warning, the plane abruptly plunged downward, violently throwing passengers and crew members around the cabin.
“It was terrible,” recounted one shaken passenger. “The plane plunged, and I ended up hitting my head on the ceiling. Some people walked around and got tossed into the air like rag dolls.”
The turbulence struck so powerfully and unexpectedly that oxygen masks deployed from the overhead compartments. Horrified travellers not wearing seatbelts were flung into the air, smashing against surfaces. Carts, belongings, and even people tumbled through the aisle.
Over 30 Injured, One Passenger Dies
When the chaos finally ended, the toll was devastating – over 30 people had suffered injuries, with seven hurt critically. Tragically, one passenger, 73-year-old Jeffrey Kitchen from Gloucestershire, England, did not survive. He passed away from what is believed to be a heart attack brought on by the traumatic turbulence.
Emergency responders raced to aid the injured after the pilot made an emergency landing in Bangkok rather than continuing to Singapore. Medical teams swarmed the plane, rapidly triaging the wounded. The most severely hurt were rushed to hospitals first.
“It was fairly chaotic with lots of injured people,” said one witness with minor injuries who ended up hospitalized. “The staff did a sterling job tending to passengers despite some being injured.”
Authorities Investigate Cause
With 229 people aboard the Boeing 777 aircraft, the shocking incident left many passengers and crew deeply shaken and traumatized. Singapore Airlines CEO expressed “deepest condolences” and apologized for the “traumatic experience.”
Aviation experts from Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, and Boeing have launched investigations to determine exactly what caused the severe turbulence incident. Concerned family, friends and a mental health counsellor supported distraught passengers awaiting news in Singapore.
While turbulence is common during flights, meteorologists will examine if any warning signs about potentially dangerous weather conditions were missed. Aircraft data will also be closely analyzed. But for now, many are left grappling with the terrifying memories of a routine trip turning into a nightmare.
How can such incidents be prevented to keep all travellers safe? The findings may provide critical lessons.
