Seven people critically injured on SQ321, which made an emergency landing in Bangkok.
SINGAPORE: Tragedy struck a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore when severe turbulence led to the death of a 73-year-old British passenger. The incident, which occurred on flight SQ321, prompted an emergency landing in Bangkok.
The flight, which departed London Heathrow at 10:38 PM on May 20, encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” while flying over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet, approximately 10 hours into the journey. This caused a dramatic and unsettling drop, sending passengers who were not wearing seatbelts into the ceiling.
One passenger, 28-year-old Dzafran Azmir, described the event as a violent shake followed by a sudden plunge that sent individuals flying into overhead compartments, some of whom sustained head injuries. Photographs taken after the incident revealed significant damage to the interior of the aircraft, including gashes in the overhead panels and debris scattered around the cabin.
Seven passengers were critically injured, while eighteen others, including both passengers and crew, required medical attention. Despite the chaos, the majority of passengers had their seatbelts fastened, which likely prevented further injuries. Singapore Airlines has dispatched a team to Bangkok to assist with the aftermath.
The deceased passenger, who was believed to have suffered a heart attack during the turbulence, was among the most seriously affected. In response to the tragedy, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and is coordinating support for those injured.
The incident follows the recent attack at Ulu Tiram Police Station and other security threats in the region, prompting heightened vigilance and investigations into the event. The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) is working with Thai counterparts to understand the circumstances surrounding the turbulence, while Boeing has also pledged to assist with the inquiry.
SIA is committed to ensuring the well-being of all those affected and continues to offer support to passengers and their families during this challenging time.
