Tragic Incident on Singapore Airlines Flight Due to Severe Turbulence
A Singapore Airlines flight from London experienced severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others.
The Boeing 777-300ER, bound for Singapore, was diverted to Bangkok, landing safely at 15:45 local time (08:45 GMT). Flight data indicated that the aircraft suddenly dropped 6,000 feet (2,000 meters) in a matter of minutes after crossing the Bay of Bengal.
Flight SQ321 had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board. In a statement, the airline expressed its condolences: “Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.” The airline also stated that it is collaborating with Thai authorities to provide medical assistance to the injured passengers and is dispatching a team to Bangkok for additional support.
Emergency teams and ambulances were sent to Suvarnabhumi Airport by Thai authorities. Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, also pledged government support for the passengers and their families, expressing his sorrow over the incident in a Facebook post.
The exact cause of the turbulence is still being investigated. A passenger, Dzafran Azmir, recounted the terrifying experience to Reuters: “The aircraft suddenly started tilting up and shaking. Then there was a dramatic drop, and everyone not wearing a seatbelt was thrown into the ceiling.”
He described people hitting their heads on the overhead baggage compartments, damaging the areas where lights and oxygen masks are stored.
Turbulence often occurs when an aircraft flies through clouds, but “clear air” turbulence, which is invisible to weather radar and unpredictable, can also be a factor.
Aviation expert John Strickland told the BBC that injuries from severe turbulence are rare but can be severe or even fatal. He emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts during flights, stating, “Airlines recommend keeping seat belts loosely fastened throughout a flight, whether long or short.”
Research indicates that climate change may increase the frequency of severe turbulence in the future.