Singapore Airlines has announced tighter cabin measures following a recent incident on a flight from London that left one person dead and dozens injured. The airline will now suspend meal services and require all cabin crew to buckle up when planes fly through turbulence. The decision comes after a Boeing 777 jet experienced extreme turbulence in the Irrawaddy basin, causing chaos in the cabin and resulting in a 6,000-foot descent. The airline has emphasized the importance of passenger safety and crew training in dealing with such situations.
Passengers on the affected flight have described the terrifying experience of the aircraft shaking, loose items flying around, and injured individuals on the floor of the plane. Singapore Airlines has outlined existing safety measures during poor weather conditions, such as securing loose items in the cabin and galley, advising passengers to return to their seats and buckle up, and monitoring those who may need assistance. The airline is committed to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members and will continue to review its processes to enhance safety measures.
Authorities in Bangkok are currently investigating the cause of the severe turbulence on the flight and have collected data from the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. The incident is believed to have been caused by clear air turbulence, which is the most dangerous type and can occur suddenly without warning. Wind shear in the sky, even near thunderstorms, can create powerful currents of fast-moving air. The hospital where most of the injured were treated has reported that some patients have sustained serious injuries, including spinal damage, brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
Of the 104 people injured in the incident, 48 remain hospitalized, with 20 in intensive care. Despite the severity of some injuries, no one is in a life-threatening condition. The hospitalized individuals come from various countries, including the UK, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Singapore Airlines has expressed deep regret over the incident and its CEO has personally visited those in the hospital to offer support. The airline is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the turbulence and prevent similar incidents in the future.
