One person has died and many others injured when a Singapore Airlines plane encountered severe turbulence and made an emergency landing.
211 passengers and 18 crew members on the aircraft suffered a ‘dramatic drop’ when they hit turbulence, which saw a 73-year-old British passenger lose their life.
People on board said ‘chaos’ erupted and travelers were ‘launched into the ceiling’ suddenly during the incident.
The plane was forced to divert to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok today, Tuesday May 21, at 3.45pm local time.
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Airport chief Kittipong Kittikachorn has said the man who died had a heart condition, believing he may have had a heart attack.
Seven other people on the Singapore Airlines plane are fighting for their life in critical condition following the turbulence incident, with others being treated for injuries.
Approximately 30 minutes before the emergency landing, a woman received a text message from her son on board.
Allison Barker told the BBC she then didn’t hear from him for another two hours.
Son’s ‘terrifying’ message to mom while experiencing turbulence on Singapore Airlines plane
He wrote: “I don’t want to scare you, but I’m on a crazy flight. The plane is making an emergency landing… I love you all.”
Allison said it was ‘terrifying’ to receive that message from her son, not knowing what was happening. The mother added it was ‘the longest two hours of my life’.
When he was able to get back in contact, he explained one moment he was sitting in his plane seat with the seatbelt on but the next minute, he was on the floor with other people surrounding him.
Josh told his mom he could see water, blood, and possessions around the cabin.
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He did suffer some injuries, possibly broken teeth, but Allison is concerned it could affect his mental health, beyond physical wounds.
Fellow passengers said anyone ‘not wearing a seatbelt’ was launched into the ceiling, and another said they saw ‘so many injured people’ after the Singapore Airlines plane dropped sharply during the turbulence.
Singapore Airlines have released a statement: “Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route.
“The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time.
“We can confirm that there are multiple injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
“As of 1950hrs Singapore time on 21 May 2024, 18 individuals have been hospitalised. Another 12 are being treated in hospitals.
“The remaining passengers and crew are being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.
“There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.
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“Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight.
“We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.
“We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance. A Singapore Airlines team is on the way to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed.”
Anyone needing to seek information about their loved ones can call the hotline +65 6542 3311.
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