Twenty individuals were hospitalized in Bangkok on Wednesday following a harrowing experience aboard a Singapore Airlines flight from London. The flight, SQ321, encountered sudden extreme turbulence over Myanmar, causing panic and chaos among passengers.
Witnesses described violent turbulence that sent people airborne, resulting in injuries and even causing damage to the aircraft’s interior. Amidst the chaos, an elderly passenger tragically lost their life, and over a hundred others suffered injuries, with some in critical condition.
The plane, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Medical teams swiftly responded, transporting the injured to local hospitals for treatment.
Passengers recounted the terrifying ordeal, with one describing being thrown against the ceiling and then crashing to the floor as the plane lurched. The severity of the injuries ranged from head trauma to lacerations, with crew members also among the casualties.
Among those injured, twenty individuals from various nationalities were admitted to intensive care units. The affected passengers hailed from Australia, Britain, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines.
While relieved relatives greeted survivors upon their arrival in Singapore, many were too shaken to speak to reporters. Witnesses onboard the flight recalled the suddenness of the turbulence, with some fearing for their lives as the plane dropped unexpectedly.
In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines expressed profound regret for the distress experienced by passengers and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. Investigations into the cause of the turbulence are underway, with authorities from Singapore and Thailand cooperating closely.
As experts examine the incident, concerns are raised about the growing risk of clear air turbulence due to climate change. Studies suggest a marked increase in the frequency and severity of such turbulence, posing challenges for aviation safety in the future.
