Passenger Killed on Singapore Airlines Flight Due to Flight Turbulence

Severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore has killed one passenger and injured at least 71 others, according to CNN.

The Boeing 777-300ER plane diverted to Bangkok, according to a post on the Singapore Airlines Facebook page. It shared that 211 passengers and 18 crew members were on board.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on May 20, 2024, “encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure.” Thus, the plane’s pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the aircraft to Bangkok.

On May 21, it was reported that 18 passengers were hospitalized, and 12 others were also treated. The remaining passengers and crew were being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

There was one fatality. Per The New York Post, Geoff Kitchen of Gloucestershire is the deceased. He was on the flight to begin a six-week tour of Asia and Australia with his wife, Linda.

Kitchen reportedly had a heart attack after the plane plummeted more than 6,000 feet. The Post reports that Kitchen had a history of heart problems and recently had a medical procedure where stents were placed in his arteries. 

In a statement on Facebook, the company said, “Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologize for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.”

It continued, “We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance. A Singapore Airlines team is on its way to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed. SIA is working with the relevant authorities on the investigation into this incident.”

The Facebook page reports that relatives seeking information may call the Singapore Airlines hotlines at +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom).

This tragic news comes on the heels of CNN’s report that Singapore Airlines plans to give its employees bonuses amounting to around eight months’ worth of their salaries.