An incident aboard a Singapore Airlines flight en route from London to Singapore, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries among passengers. According to CNN, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft encountered severe turbulence prompting an emergency diversion to Bangkok. The episode, detailed by Singapore Airlines on their Facebook page, unfolded over Myanmar during the flight.
Reports indicate that 211 passengers and 18 crew members were on board the flight. Sadly, a 73-year-old British man lost his life in the turbulence, as confirmed by General Manager Kittipong Kittikachorn of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Kittikachorn described the majority of injuries sustained by passengers as cuts and bruises, with some experiencing broken arms.
The flight touched down safely in Bangkok at 3:45 p.m. local time, with several injured passengers receiving treatment at the nearby Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. The hospital reported at least 71 injuries, including six severe cases, involving citizens from various countries including Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and Ireland.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 aligned with the airline’s statement, pinpointing the turbulence occurrence over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar around 7:49 a.m. UTC. The sudden turbulence event prompted the pilot to declare a medical emergency, leading to the decision to divert the aircraft to Bangkok.
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased via his social media accounts, acknowledging the ongoing efforts of government agencies and Singapore Airlines in supporting those affected. Likewise, Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat expressed deep sadness over the incident and offered support to affected individuals and families.
As investigations into the incident continue, the aviation community and passengers worldwide are reminded of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of safety protocols in mitigating risks during flights.