Yesterday morning, a Singapore Airlines flight going from London Heathrow airport to Singapore suddenly lost altitude after experiencing severe turbulence, causing the death of one passenger and injuries to at least 30 others.
In full transparency, the airline posted regular updates on their social media channels, confirming the passing of the 73-year-old British man and the status of the other passengers. Soon after the incident, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong released a video apologising to everyone on board for the “traumatic experiences” they went through.
We are very sorry for the traumatic experiences that everyone on board SQ321 went through.
Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines CEO
“We are deeply saddened by this incident. It has resulted in one confirmed fatality and multiple injuries. On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased”, the CEO said, adding that “Our priority is to render all possible assistance to our passengers and crew members.”
Flight SQ321, operated on a Boeing 777-300, departed London’s Heathrow airport at 10:38 pm, local time, on Monday evening. The journey, which usually takes a little under 13 hours, went smoothly for about 11 hours when the plane encountered “sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin”.
According to information from flight tracking platform, Flightradar24, in only a matter of minutes, the plane dropped from a cruising altitude of almost 11,278 metres to 9,449 metres. The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where it landed at 3:45 pm local time (9:45 am UK time, on Tuesday).
The sudden loss of altitude sent passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts flying through the cabin, hitting their heads on the overhead compartments. The incident caused a British man onboard to have a cardiac arrest and pass away before the plane landed. Around 30 others, including one crew member, were injured and immediately transported to the hospital for treatment while the remaining of the 211 passengers and 18 crew were examined at the airport and transported to the hospital if needed.
A relief flight with 143 of the SQ321 passengers and crew members who were able to travel landed in Singapore this morning at 5:05 am, the airline has since confirmed. An additional 5 passengers will be returning to Singapore today (22 May). One more crew member is scheduled to go to Singapore on Thursday while another 74 passengers and 6 crew members are still in Bangkok. This includes those receiving medical care, as well as their family members and loved ones who were on the flight.
“We are fully cooperating with relevant authorities on the investigations”, Phong added. “Once again, our deepest apologies to everyone affected by this incident. Please be assured that Singapore Airlines is here to help and support you during this difficult time.”
