One Singapore Airlines passenger dead following severe turbulence
Singapore Airlines says one person died and at least 30 others were injured Tuesday when a London to Singapore flight experienced severe turbulence and was forced to land in Bangkok.
In a statement posted to social media, the airline said Flight SQ321 departed from London's Heathrow Airport late Monday. The flight encountered severe turbulence driven by thunderstorms and was diverted to Bangkok.
"We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER," the airline said. "Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.'
Singapore Airlines did not say at what point the injuries and death took place, but a passenger who spoke to Reuters news service said turbulence led to those not wearing seatbelts hitting overhead cabins.
Data from the website FlightRadar 24 indicates at roughly 11 hours into the flight, as it crossed the Andaman Sea and approached Thailand, the aircraft sharply dropped from an altitude of some 11,300 meters to about 9,400 in three to five minutes. The flight landed in Bangkok a short time later.
The airline said it is working with local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance and is sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional help needed.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Singapore's Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said the government would provide assistance to the passengers and their families.
'I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore,' he said.
The flight was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, the airline said.
Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
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