Passenger dies as Singapore Airlines flight encounters severe turbulence (pics)

A passenger died and several others were injured today when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, forcing an emergency landing in Thailand.

The Boeing 777, operating as flight SQ321, departed London Heathrow at 10:17 p.m. local time on Monday with 211 passengers and 18 crew members. The aircraft experienced extreme turbulence due to severe tropical thunderstorms while entering regional airspace, the airline reported.

The plane, registered as 9V-SWM, diverted to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, making an emergency landing at 3:45 p.m. local time. It was originally scheduled to arrive at Singapore Changi Airport at 6:10 p.m. local time.

Singapore Airlines confirmed in a statement on Facebook that one passenger had died and 30 others were injured. The airline expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and stated that their priority is to provide assistance to all passengers and crew affected.

Photos posted on social media showed ambulances and emergency responders at the scene. The airline is working with local authorities in Thailand to offer medical assistance and has dispatched a team to Bangkok to provide further support.

Un mort & 30 blessés à bord d’un Boeing 777-300 de Singapore Airlines reliant Londres Heathrow à Singapour.

L’avion a subit de sévères turbulences et s’est dérouté immédiatement à Bangkok.

Plus d’infos à venir. pic.twitter.com/5voGpUbdMS

— air plus news (@airplusnews) May 21, 2024

[Source: Daily Mail UK]