A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence on 20th May 2024, leading to one fatality and more than 20 injuries among passengers and crew.
The Star Alliance Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok after experiencing a dramatic altitude drop over Myanmar airspace.
Incident Onboard Flight SQ321
Flight SQ321 departed from London’s Heathrow Airport at 22:17 local time on May 20, 2024, bound for Singapore Changi Airport.
Approximately 11 hours into the flight, while cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet near Myanmar, the aircraft encountered extreme turbulence caused by intense tropical thunderstorms battering the region. Within a span of three minutes, the plane abruptly plummeted 6,000 feet to 31,000 feet, throwing unbelted passengers and loose items into the air.
Passengers described a chaotic scene as the plane lurched violently. Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old student on board, recounted the terrifying experience: “Suddenly the aircraft started tilting up and shaking. I braced for what was happening, and then there was a dramatic drop. Everyone not wearing seatbelts was launched into the ceiling. Some people hit their heads on the overhead compartments, causing dents and breaking the light fixtures and oxygen mask units.”
Emergency Response and Immediate Aftermath
The severity of the situation necessitated an immediate diversion to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The flight landed at 15:45 local time on May 21, 2024. Images posted on social media showed ambulances lining the tarmac and emergency responders assisting injured passengers. According to local media reports, one passenger died due to the injuries sustained during the turbulence, while over 20 others required medical attention, including head lacerations and other severe injuries.
Andrew Davies, a passenger from Lewisham, London, shared his experience in a series of tweets on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): “The seatbelt sign came on, I fastened my seatbelt, and then the plane just dropped. People were thrown around, belongings scattered, and drinks splattered the ceiling. I witnessed passengers with medical training trying to help the injured, performing CPR on the man who sadly passed away.”
Singapore Airlines’ Official Response
In a statement on Facebook, Singapore Airlines confirmed the emergency landing and the tragic loss of one passenger. “Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 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. Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.”
The airline emphasized that their immediate priority was to provide all possible assistance to the passengers and crew. They coordinated with Thai authorities to facilitate medical treatment and dispatched a team to Bangkok to support those affected by the incident.
Reactions from Authorities and Experts
Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, expressed his condolences and assured support for the affected passengers and their families. “I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321. Our government, in collaboration with Singapore Airlines and Thai authorities, will provide necessary assistance to those impacted by this tragic event,” he stated on Facebook.
Aviation expert John Strickland highlighted the rarity but potential severity of turbulence-related incidents. “Considering the vast number of flights operating daily, injuries from turbulence are relatively rare. However, severe turbulence can be dramatic and lead to significant injuries or fatalities. This incident underscores the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened throughout the flight,” Strickland told the BBC.
Recent Incidents Involving Boeing Aircraft
While Singapore Airlines is known for its stellar safety record, the airline’s last major incident with casualties occurred in October 2000 when a flight from Singapore to Los Angeles via Taipei crashed on takeoff from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, killing 83 of the 179 people on board.
The recent turbulence incident adds to a series of troubling occurrences involving Boeing-manufactured planes. Concerns over the safety of Boeing aircraft have heightened after multiple incidents in May 2024, including a Boeing plane’s tire bursting upon landing in Turkey and a door plug blowing out of a 737 Max on an Alaska Airlines flight in January. These events have led to aircraft shortages and potential disruptions for travelers.
Eyewitness Accounts and Further Details
Further accounts from passengers illustrate the harrowing experience onboard flight SQ321. Mr. Davies described the aftermath: “People’s belongings were scattered everywhere. Coffee and water were splattered across the ceiling. Injured passengers had head lacerations and bleeding ears, and one lady was screaming in pain due to a back injury.”
Another passenger, Dzafran Azmir, elaborated on the moments of chaos: “The turbulence was so severe that some passengers hit their heads on the overhead baggage compartments, causing significant dents. It was terrifying to see the damage and hear the screams of pain.”
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
The cause of the severe turbulence is being investigated, with preliminary reports indicating it was linked to the tropical thunderstorms in the region. Authorities and aviation experts will conduct a thorough analysis to understand the factors contributing to the incident and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
In light of this tragedy, Singapore Airlines and aviation authorities will likely review and reinforce safety protocols, particularly regarding the adherence to seatbelt usage during flights. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of turbulence and the critical importance of following safety guidelines.
The Key Lesson: Always Wear a Seatbelt
The tragic death and numerous injuries resulting from severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 have cast a somber shadow over the aviation industry. As investigations proceed and support is extended to those affected, the incident underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to safety measures in air travel.
The aviation community, passengers, and airlines must collectively work towards minimizing such risks and ensuring the highest levels of safety and preparedness. A key lesson from one of the passengers onboard the flight is to always wear your seatbelt. He noted that those injured were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident.
