Passengers aboard a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence that caused the plane to drop thousands of feet before making an emergency landing in Bangkok. One passenger, Geoff Kitchen, reportedly died during the incident due to medical problems that led to a fatal cardiac arrest. Passengers described the chaotic scene on board, with people hitting the ceiling and sustaining injuries, including gashes and cuts. A total of 104 people were treated for injuries, with some remaining in the ICU for further care.
One survivor, Andrew Davies, praised the cabin crew for their efforts during the ordeal, noting that some crew members were injured but continued to assist passengers. The flight’s journey started uneventfully, but about 10 hours in, the plane experienced a sharp drop in altitude over Thailand due to rapidly developing thunderstorms along the flight path. Passengers recounted the terrifying experience, with overhead panels ripped off and personal belongings scattered around the cabin. Despite the traumatic event, the CEO of Singapore Airlines expressed his condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and apologized for the distress experienced by all passengers and crew.
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore, along with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, was leading an investigation into the incident. The involvement of U.S. aviation authorities was due to the fact that the plane in question was manufactured by Boeing. Passengers who were injured during the turbulence described the scene as chaotic, with blood and broken plastic panels scattered throughout the cabin. Several passengers required medical treatment for their injuries, including one passenger who chipped a tooth and suffered cuts to the eye and neck.
Survivors of the turbulence incident recounted the horror they experienced, with one passenger describing people going completely horizontal and hitting the ceiling before landing in awkward positions. The intense turbulence caused the plane to drop in altitude quickly, causing injuries to many passengers on board. The airline confirmed that the flight was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members at the time of the incident. Passengers praised the efforts of the cabin crew for their professionalism and dedication in assisting passengers despite some crew members sustaining injuries during the turbulence.
The sudden lurch of the aircraft forced the crew to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, where passengers were treated for their injuries. The local hospital reported that 58 people were still under medical care, with 20 patients remaining in the ICU. Passengers expressed their gratitude for the medical staff and crew members who provided assistance during the challenging situation. The Singapore Airlines CEO offered his condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and acknowledged the trauma experienced by all passengers and crew members on the flight. The investigation into the incident was ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the severe turbulence that led to the emergency landing in Bangkok.
