Three Indian nationals were among the passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight that encountered extreme turbulence, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The plane made an emergency descent over the Irrawaddy Basin before landing in Bangkok for medical assistance.
Passengers on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, travelling from London to Singapore, reunited with their families at Changi Airport in Singapore on May 22, 2024. The flight, which made an emergency landing in Bangkok, saw a 73-year-old British man lose his life and more than 70 others injured on May 21, 2024. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene during the severe turbulence that forced the emergency landing.
Three Indians were among the 229 passengers on board when the turbulence hit at 37,000 feet, causing the aircraft to plummet 6,000 feet in about three minutes. The incident resulted in the tragic death of the British man, reportedly from a heart attack, according to Suvarnabhumi Airport’s General Manager, Kittipong Kittikachorn.
The flight, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on May 20, experienced sudden extreme turbulence around 10 hours after departure. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted to Bangkok, landing on May 21. Singapore Airlines confirmed multiple injuries and one fatality on the Boeing 777-300ER.
Eighteen individuals were hospitalized, and another twelve received treatment at various hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were examined and treated as necessary at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The flight had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
The nationalities of the passengers included 56 Australians, 2 Canadians, 1 German, 3 Indians, 2 Indonesians, 1 Icelander, 4 Irish, 1 Israeli, 16 Malaysians, 2 from Myanmar, 23 New Zealanders, 5 Filipinos, 41 Singaporeans, 1 South Korean, 2 Spaniards, 47 from the United Kingdom, and 4 Americans. The names and nationalities of the injured passengers and crew have not been disclosed.
Singapore Airlines expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized for the traumatic experience. They are providing all necessary assistance and working with local authorities in Thailand.
The SQ321 flight used a 16-year-old Boeing 777 model. A team from Singapore Airlines has arrived in Bangkok to assist passengers and crew. The airline is cooperating with authorities on the investigation.
Relatives seeking information can contact Singapore Airlines hotlines at 65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (United Kingdom).
Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, extended condolences to the family of the deceased, acknowledging the incident on Vesak Day. He assured that Singapore is working closely with Thai authorities to support the passengers and crew, praying for their safe return and smooth recovery.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and affirmed their support to Singapore Airlines.
For further details and updates, Singapore Airlines encourages relatives to use the provided contact numbers and follow their official communication channels.
