Turbulence Strikes Singapore Airlines, Leaving 1 Dead and 71 Injured

A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore faced severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to at least 71 others. The turbulence hit unexpectedly, causing chaos and leading to multiple injuries among those on board.

Mostly, due to stormy weather it happened, it could be happened in future because bad weather predicted.

Emergency services were on standby to assist the injured upon the plane’s arrival in Singapore. This tragic incident highlights the unpredictability and potential danger of air travel turbulence.

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER flying from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, leading to the death of one passenger and injuring at least 71 others. The plane had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.

Due to the turbulence, the plane diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing. Singapore Airlines shared this information in a post on their Facebook page. Emergency services were ready in Bangkok to help the injured passengers and crew.

Initially, Singapore Airlines reported in a Facebook post that 30 passengers had injured during the severe turbulence and treated in hospitals. Meanwhile, other passengers received outpatient care at the airport. The airline provided updates as more information became available about the incident and the number of people affected.

A 73-year-old British man was the passenger who died when the Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence. This information confirmed by Kittipong Kittikachorn, the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, on Tuesday. The flight, which originally headed from London to Singapore, landed in Bangkok at 3:45 p.m. local time (4:45 a.m. ET) on Tuesday due to the emergency.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, inspected the aircraft and informed CNN that he was notified about the emergency landing just 10 minutes before the plane touched down. He mentioned that several passengers had suffered broken arms, but most of the injuries were cuts and bruises.

Kittipong Kittikachorn said that some injured passengers sent to the nearby Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital for treatment. He also mentioned that almost 200 travelers were waiting at the airport to continue their journeys to their final destinations.

In an update, the hospital reported that at least 71 people injured, including citizens from Malaysia. The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and Ireland.

Moreover, The hospital stated that six people severely injured. Earlier, Kittipong Kittikachorn had mentioned that seven people critically injured.

According to the aviation tracking site FlightRadar24, the turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 occurred over Myanmar at approximately 7:49 a.m. UTC (3:49 a.m. ET). This information is based on their flight data, providing a clearer picture of when and where the severe turbulence struck.

This aligns with a statement from the airline indicating that the plane, “encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin [a river in Myanmar] at 37,000 feet, about 10 hours after departure.”

FlightRadar24 further elaborated in a blog post that, according to its data, at that time, “the flight experienced a rapid change in vertical rate, consistent with a sudden turbulence event.” These details help to illustrate the precise timing and nature of the turbulence encountered during the flight.

The data indicates that approximately 14 minutes after encountering the turbulence, the flight altered its course. According to the airline, “The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok.” FlightRadar24’s data reveals that while cruising at 37,000 feet, the flight experienced sudden dips followed by rapid climbs of a few hundred feet, before repeating the pattern.

Eventually, it stabilized back to its cruising altitude. This sequence of events lasted around 90 seconds, as per the data, yet led to numerous injuries, including one fatality. These details offer insight into the intense but brief disruption experienced during the flight.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam conveyed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased in a statement shared on his social media accounts.

Further, he mentioned that while details of those affected were not available, government ministries, agencies, and Singapore Airlines (SIA) were providing maximum support to all affected individuals. They also collaborating with authorities in Bangkok, where the plane had diverted to.

Singapore’s Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat also expressed deep sadness about the incident in a statement posted on his social media. These messages from Singaporean officials reflect the gravity of the situation and the support extended to those affected.

Turbulence Strikes London-Singapore Flight:

Ministry of Transport, Singapore, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Changi Airport officials, along with Singapore Airlines (SIA) staff, are offering assistance to the affected passengers and their families, he stated.

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport released a statement confirming that they were investigating the incident involving SQ321. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore is in communication with Thai authorities regarding the matter.

Turbulence happens when an airplane passes through areas where air movements clash, with different speeds. When the turbulence is light or moderate, passengers might feel a slight strain against their seatbelt, and things not secured could shift around the cabin.

However, in severe cases, turbulence can toss passengers around the cabin, resulting in serious injuries and, in rare instances, even death. It’s a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of safety measures.

In March 2023, a tragic incident occurred involving violent movements on a private jet, leading to the death of a former White House official. However, investigations later revealed that weather conditions were not a factor in this incident.

Remarkably, this incident happened just days after another unsettling event. Where seven people taken to hospitals following significant turbulence experienced on a separate commercial flight. These incidents highlight the potential dangers associated with air travel and serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety measures.

In July 2023, seven individuals sustained injuries aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Sydney, Australia. After the aircraft encountered severe turbulence.

Additionally, in December 2022, 36 people were injured on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Arizona to Honolulu. So, with 20 individuals requiring treatment in emergency rooms due to turbulence.

Adding to concerns, a study conducted in September 2022 predicts a substantial rise in clear air turbulence worldwide between 2050 and 2080. This increase projected to particularly pronounced along the busiest flight routes.

Furthermore, the study suggests that the most intense form of turbulence will experience the greatest surge. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing research and preparation to mitigate the risks associated with turbulence in aviation.

Singapore Airlines is widely recognized as one of the world’s safest airlines. The airline has maintained an exceptional safety record over the years. However, its only previous fatal accident occurred in October 2000. During this tragic incident, flight SQ006 crashed shortly after takeoff from a closed runway in Taiwan amidst heavy rainfall.

The Boeing 747-400 was carrying 83 individuals on board, all of whom lost their lives in the accident. This event remains a somber reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and adherence to operational procedures in aviation.

Boeing has stated that it is in contact with the Singaporean carrier and is prepared to provide assistance as needed.

However, the manufacturer has redirected additional inquiries to the airline and local authorities. Which indicating that they are deferring further questions to those directly involved in managing the situation. This approach ensures that the airline and relevant authorities can effectively address any inquiries or concerns regarding the incident involving the Singapore Airlines flight.