A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the tragic death of one passenger and leaving more than 70 others injured.
The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Source: Associated Press
Singapore Airlines Confirms Fatality and Injuries After Turbulence
Source: Reuters
Singapore Airlines confirmed that a 73-year-old British man named Geoff Kitchen was the deceased passenger. According to Kittipong Kittikachorn, the General Manager of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, preliminary investigations suggest that Kitchen suffered from a heart condition.
The Thornbury Musical Theatre Group (TMTG), where Kitchen worked for over 35 years, described him as “always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity.”
The airline initially reported that the turbulence hurt 30 passengers, who were receiving treatment in hospitals, while the airport gave others outpatient care.
However, the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital later revealed that the turbulence injured at least 71 people, including citizens from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and Ireland. The turbulence severely injured six of these individuals.
Source: Reuters
Turbulence Strikes Over Myanmar
According to FlightRadar24, the turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 occurred over Myanmar at approximately 7:49 a.m. UTC (3:49 a.m. ET). The airline stated that the plane “encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin [a river in Myanmar] at 37,000 feet, about 10 hours after departure.”
Source: Reuters
CNN Weather analysis suggests that the flight likely encountered rapidly developing thunderstorms over southern Myanmar during the time of the reported extreme turbulence. These tropical thunderstorms are typical for this time of year as the southwest monsoon season begins in South Asia.
Investigations Underway as Singapore Airlines Offers Support
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore’s Ministry of Transport is investigating the incident and has deployed investigators to Bangkok. Singapore Airlines has also sent a dedicated team to support their colleagues and the local authorities on the ground.
In a statement on Facebook, Singapore Airlines expressed its “deepest condolences to the family of the deceased” and apologized for the “traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight.”
Turbulence: A Growing Concern for Air Travel
Turbulence occurs when a plane flies through clashing bodies of air moving at widely different speeds.
Source: iStock
While light and moderate turbulence might cause passengers to feel a strain against their seatbelt and unsecured items to move around the cabin, severe cases can throw passengers around, causing severe injuries and, in rare instances, death.
A September 2022 study predicts that clear-air turbulence will increase significantly around the globe between 2050-2080, particularly along the busiest flight routes, with the strongest type of turbulence increasing the most.
What Parents Can Do to Stay Safe During Turbulence
Source: Depositphotos
As a parent, it’s essential to prioritize your family’s safety during air travel.
Always follow the flight crew‘s instructions and ensure you and your children keep your seatbelts fastened whenever you are seated, even if the seatbelt sign is not illuminated.
Secure any loose items in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you to prevent them from becoming projectiles during turbulence.
If you or your child experience anxiety related to turbulence, consider practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Engaging in distracting activities like reading, playing games, or watching movies can also help take your mind off the bumpy ride.
Remember, while incidents like the one involving Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 are tragic and unsettling, they are rare occurrences. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure a safer and more comfortable flight for you and your loved ones.
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