A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore experienced sudden extreme turbulence over Myanmar, leading to one fatality and numerous injuries.
The Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers from various countries, including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok. Sadly, a 73-year-old British passenger passed away from a suspected heart attack, while over 100 others sustained injuries as the plane dropped 6,000 feet in about three minutes.
Passenger Dzafran Azmir described witnessing people being thrown into awkward positions and sustaining injuries like head gashes and concussions. Social media footage depicted frightened passengers and disheveled crew members amidst dangling cabin panels and scattered belongings.
The injured were treated in Bangkok hospitals, with twenty individuals remaining in intensive care. Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong expressed regret for the traumatic experience and pledged full support for investigations.
The cause of the turbulence was attributed to rapidly developing thunderstorms along the flight path. The deceased passenger was identified as Geoff Kitchen, who was traveling with his wife Linda to Australia.
Embassy officials from affected countries visited hospitals to check on their citizens. Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that nine Malaysians, including a crew member, were receiving treatment, with one in critical but stable condition.
