A Singapore Airlines flight encountered extreme turbulence over the Indian Ocean, resulting in a quick drop of 1,800 meters in three minutes, the carrier said Tuesday. Tragically, a 73-year-old British man died, most likely from a heart attack compounded by the strong shaking caused by the turbulence. The Boeing 777 was flying from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore, carrying 211 passengers and 18 staff members. Three of the passengers were from India, although their situations were not stated.
Due to the rough conditions and inclement weather, the airplane was diverted and landed safely in Bangkok. Authorities reported numerous injuries to passengers, some of which were serious.
The passengers on board were from a variety of countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Following the incident, a relief flight took 143 passengers and staff from SQ321 to Singapore, arriving early in the morning. However, 79 passengers and six crew members, including those requiring medical attention and their families, remained in Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong extended his condolences to the dead passenger’s family and loved ones, reiterating the airline’s commitment to assisting affected customers and personnel. Singapore Airlines employees are actively aiding on the ground.
For relatives seeking information, the airline has established hotlines accessible in Singapore, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
