By Abiola Olawale
Singapore Airlines has confirmed that one person has passed away with several individuals sustaining different degrees of injuries on a flight from London that was hit by severe turbulence.
The airline said that flight SQ321, which left London on Monday, was diverted to Bangkok and landed safely on Tuesday afternoon.
The Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER was carrying a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew, the airline said in a statement.
The airline disclosed that it has already contacted Thai authorities to provide medical assistance to passengers, and has also sent a team to Bangkok to provide any additional help needed.
The airline on its X account tweeted: “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 on 21 May 2024. We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. 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. More details at https://bit.ly/4bLqfCF. Regular updates will be provided on our Facebook and X accounts.”
Speaking also on the incident, Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, who took to his official Facebook account said the government would assist the passengers and their families.
Tat said: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore.”