Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence resulting in one passenger, identified as Geoff Kitchen, dying during the incident. The Boeing 777-300ER flight from London to Singapore dropped thousands of feet in the sky, causing injuries to many passengers. Medics conducted CPR on the passenger in distress, but unfortunately, he did not survive. Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital treated 104 people, with 20 patients remaining in the ICU. The flight had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
Among those injured was British passenger Josh Silverstone, who suffered a chipped tooth and cuts to his eye and neck. Many passengers were paralyzed, unable to move on the floor of the plane. Despite injuries sustained by the crew, they continued to serve and assist passengers during the ordeal. The sudden turbulence caused overhead panels to rip off, items to be scattered around the cabin, and blood stains on the ceiling. The CEO of Singapore Airlines, Goh Choon Phong, apologized for the traumatic experience and offered condolences to the family of the deceased passenger.
The flight, which started off uneventfully, experienced the sharp drop in altitude just ten hours into the journey. Flight data showed the plane dropped from 37,000 to 31,000 feet in five minutes, with one sudden lurch causing it to drop almost 700 feet. Rapid thunderstorms near the flight path were recorded at the time of the incident, possibly contributing to the severe turbulence. The plane then made an emergency landing in Bangkok less than ten minutes after the drop in altitude.
Passengers described the terror they experienced as the plane hit severe turbulence, with some hitting the ceiling and sustaining injuries. The scene inside the cabin was chaotic, with blood and broken plastic panels scattered everywhere. Despite the injuries sustained, the cabin crew continued to assist passengers and provide medical help as needed. Medics were seen conducting CPR on a passenger in need of immediate assistance. The Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau was called in to investigate the incident, as per the country’s Transport Minister.
The incident has left passengers traumatized, with many still recovering from their injuries. Survivors recounted the horror of the turbulence and the injuries sustained during the ordeal. The crew’s bravery and commitment to helping passengers in distress were praised by those on board. The investigation into the incident will aim to determine the cause of the severe turbulence that led to the emergency landing in Bangkok. The airline has expressed regret for the trauma experienced by passengers and crew and extended sympathies to the family of the deceased passenger.
