A Singapore Airlines Boeing B777-300ER, registered 9V-SWM, operating flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore encountered severe turbulence resulting in tragic scenes.
Singapore Airlines flight turbulence
A Singapore Airlines B777-300ER departed London Heathrow on 20th May 2024 from London Heathrow bound for Singapore. The aircraft was cruising over Myanmar airspace at 37,000 feet when it encountered severe turbulence. The aircraft dropped to 31,000 feet and thereafter diverted to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport where it landed at 1545 hours local time on 21st May 2024.
The turbulence resulted in the death of one passenger and injuring over 30 passengers. The flight had 211 passengers and 18 crew members onboard.
The airline in a statement said:
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 on 21 May 2024.
We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the decease
The Singapore-based airline says that it is providing all the necessary assistance to all the passengers and is working with local authorities in Thailand.
A video of a walk around of the aircraft cabin after the incident shows several oxygen masks deployed, blood stains on the ceiling and rear galley’s ceiling broken.
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Boeing in a statement said:
We are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding flight SQ321 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one, and our thoughts are with the passengers and crew.
The aircraft is now grounded in Bangkok. All the passengers are being examined and given treatment where necessary, according to a statement by Singapore Airlines.
While turbulences are not uncommon, severe turbulences like this are not common. However, it can come anytime and so, it is very important to keep your seat-belts fastened at every time whether it’s while takeoff, cruising or landing.
Featured image by Reuters
All the other images by Reuters
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