Severe Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight Kills One

A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, resulting in one passenger’s death and 71 injuries. The Boeing 777-300ER, mid-flight over Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin, was 10 hours into its journey when the turbulence hit, throwing passengers and crew around the cabin and necessitating an emergency landing in Bangkok.

Andrew Davies, a passenger on the flight to New Zealand, described the incident to CNN’s Erin Burnett, stating that everything seemed normal until the seatbelt sign was activated, and chaos ensued moments later. He recalled seeing items like shoes, iPads, and cutlery flying through the air and a fellow passenger’s coffee spilling over him and onto the ceiling.

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Davies realized the severity when he saw passengers with head injuries, one with blood streaming down her face, and an elderly person in shock. He mentioned the intense screaming during the turbulence.

Footage and photos from the plane revealed extensive damage, with smashed overhead compartments and emergency oxygen masks hanging down. A 73-year-old British man, Geoff Kitchen, died from a suspected heart condition. He was described by the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group as a gentleman with great integrity.

Davies, seated near the front, helped tend to Kitchen, who was behind him. He assisted in carrying him to the floor where medical professionals attempted CPR for about 20 minutes.

The Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok reported 71 injuries, including six severe cases. The injured passengers were from various countries, including Malaysia, the UK, New Zealand, Spain, the US, and Ireland. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, noted that some injuries included broken arms.

The flight, with 211 passengers and 18 crew, departed from London’s Heathrow Airport at around 10:30 p.m. local time and was diverted to Bangkok, landing at 3:45 p.m. local time. Emergency responders were seen carrying a passenger from the aircraft on a stretcher.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong expressed condolences and apologized for the traumatic experience, ensuring the airline was providing support to affected passengers and their families. Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and the US National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

The turbulence likely stemmed from rapidly developing thunderstorms over Myanmar. Data showed the plane dipping and climbing before stabilizing, with the disturbance lasting about 90 seconds. Turbulence can become more frequent due to climate change, with predictions of increased clear-air turbulence by 2050-2080.

Singapore Airlines, known for its safety, experienced its only previous fatal accident in October 2000. The airline has sent a team to Bangkok to assist and expressed deep condolences to the deceased’s family. Boeing is in contact with the airline and ready to provide support.