A 73-year-old man has tragically died on board a Singapore Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Singapore after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Authorities have indicated that the man likely suffered a heart attack during the incident.
In addition to the fatality, seven passengers are currently in critical condition, while 23 passengers and nine crew members have sustained injuries. The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 221 passengers and 18 crew members, experienced turbulence mid-flight, resulting in over 30 injuries.
The flight, designated as SQ321, was diverted to Bangkok, landing at 15:45 local time (8am GMT). Singapore Airlines has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. In an official statement, the airline confirmed the incident and detailed its ongoing response efforts.
Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 21 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time. 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,” a spokesperson from the airline stated.
“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.
The severe turbulence is believed to have been caused by intense thunderstorms in the region, affecting the flight with approximately one and a half hours remaining before its scheduled arrival in Singapore.
Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, also issued a statement on Facebook, expressing his condolences and outlining the government’s support measures for those affected.
I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore. The plane had encountered severe turbulence en route and had to be diverted to Bangkok. Singapore Airlines has confirmed that there are injuries and one fatality on board. The Ministry of Transport, Singapore, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Changi Airport officials, as well as SIA staff, are providing support to the affected passengers and their families. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.”
As the situation develops, Singapore Airlines and local authorities in Thailand continue to coordinate their efforts to provide medical assistance and support to the injured passengers and crew. Further updates will be shared by the airline through its official social media channels.
