A tragic incident unfolded on a London-Singapore flight as a 73-year-old British man lost his life due to a suspected heart attack following sudden extreme turbulence. The Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, which departed from Heathrow, was compelled to make an emergency landing in Thailand after passengers were tossed into the air and overhead lockers due to the violent shaking of the aircraft. Reports indicate that seven individuals sustained serious head injuries, with a total of 30 passengers being taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Passenger Dzafran Azmir, 28, recounted the chaos that ensued when the turbulence hit. He described how the aircraft started tilting up and shaking violently, leading passengers to brace themselves for the worst. Without warning, the plane experienced a significant drop, causing those without seatbelts to be thrown forcefully into the ceiling. Azmir mentioned that some passengers hit their heads on the overhead baggage cabins and damaged them, even breaking through the compartments containing lights and masks.
Injuries and Casualties
Briton Andrew Davies, who was onboard the flight, highlighted the importance of wearing a seatbelt during such turbulent episodes to avoid injuries. He mentioned that the cabin crew, despite their best efforts, also sustained various injuries, with some displaying visible wounds like gashes and back pain. Unfortunately, the turbulence proved fatal for a 73-year-old British man who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the ordeal, ultimately leading to his untimely death.
The head of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Kittipong Kittikachorn, attributed the incident to an “air pocket” and disclosed that it occurred during breakfast service on the flight. He confirmed that the deceased man’s wife was by his side at the hospital, while several injured passengers required assistance to disembark from the aircraft. The UK Foreign Office stated that they were coordinating with local authorities regarding the tragic event, which involved a total of 47 British citizens out of 211 passengers and 18 crew members onboard the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Industry Standards and Safety
Singapore Airlines expressed its profound condolences to the family of the deceased individual and expressed regret over the traumatic experience endured by passengers and crew members. The airline, known for its exceptional service, assured that it was collaborating with Thai authorities and dispatching a team to Bangkok to provide support. Despite turbulence-related injuries being a common occurrence on flights, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with air travel. It is imperative for both passengers and crew to adhere to safety protocols to minimize the risk of such tragic events in the future.
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