One dead and 30 injured as Singapore Airlines plane makes emergency landing due to turbulence

A Singapore Airlines flight (flight SQ321), operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport due to severe turbulence. The incident resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others, according to local media reports.

The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, encountered unexpected severe turbulence as it flew over the Andaman Sea. FlightRadar24 data revealed that the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop, plunging from 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within five minutes.

Officials at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport confirmed the fatality but have yet to provide a complete tally of the injured. Thai immigration police reported that medical personnel were dispatched to the aircraft to assess and treat the injured. Passengers who were not injured have been allowed to disembark.

The specifics of when the injuries and death occurred during the flight remain unclear. Singapore Airlines has not yet released detailed information on the number of passengers injured during the incident. The airline issued a brief statement confirming the emergency landing and indicated that an investigation is underway to determine the specifics of the incident and the cause of the severe turbulence.

“We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board. Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed. We will provide regular updates on our Facebook and X accounts.” says the airline.