Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 Turbulence Incident
Rattled travelers and crew landed in Singapore on Wednesday after a terrifying high-altitude plunge on a flight from London during which an elderly passenger died and more than 80 were injured.
Details of the Incident
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 hit “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar 10 hours into its journey on Tuesday, abruptly rising and plunging several times. One passenger said people were thrown around the cabin so violently that they dented the ceiling during the drama at 11,300 meters (37,000 feet), leaving dozens with head injuries.
Response and Aftermath
Photos from inside the plane show the cabin in chaos, strewn with food, drink bottles and luggage, and with oxygen masks dangling from the ceiling. Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong expressed deep condolences and apologized for the traumatic experience endured by those on board.
- 211 passengers and 18 crew were on board the flight.
- The plane made an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
- 71 people were sent for treatment, with 6 seriously injured.
Passenger Accounts
Andrew Davies, a British passenger aboard the flight, described the sudden drop and the chaos that ensued. He mentioned the screams and injuries suffered by passengers during the turbulence.
Investigation and Sympathies
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended sympathies to the family of the deceased passenger and stated that investigators are looking into the incident. The city-state is working closely with Thai authorities to understand the circumstances of the turbulence.
Climate Change Impact
Experts have highlighted the potential impact of climate change on clear air turbulence, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and safety measures in commercial aviation.
