A British grandfather is dead, and eight Australians have been hospitalised after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence on May 21.
Singapore Airlines confirmed Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence en route, before being diverted to Bangkok after the pilot declared a medical emergency.
Eighteen passengers were hospitalised, while other passengers and crew were assessed and provided treatment.
The airline said the flight encountered “sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin” while flying at 37,000 feet, 10 hours into the flight.
A total of 211 passengers and 18 crew were aboard the flight.
Among the passengers on the Boeing 777-300ER, were 56 Australians, with others from various nations including New Zealand, Europe, Asia, the US, and the Middle East.
“Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences” the airline wrote in a statement posted to social media.
“We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.”
Footage captured by passengers and shared on social media shows the interior of the plane battered, with sections of the ceiling hanging loose and items strewn around the plane.
Passengers can be heard screaming in the footage, while the plane shakes violently.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil confirmed eight Australians were being treated for injuries.
“This is a terrible experience that these people have gone through. As usual, the Australian government will provide consular assistance wherever we can, wherever it’s needed, to those people,” she told the Sunrise program.
