(Image source from: Theguardian.com)
The CEO of Singapore Airlines has publicly apologized after one passenger died and around 70 people were hurt during a flight from London to Singapore. In a video statement, Goh Choon Phong expressed deep regret for the upsetting experience endured by those on board SQ321 when it was suddenly hit by severe turbulence at 37,000 feet. The Boeing 777-300ER was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members. Although the number of injured passengers varied, with some reporting 18 hospitalizations and others 71, Mr. Phong extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to provide all necessary support to everyone affected by the incident. He also confirmed that the airline is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as they conduct their investigations.
Singapore Airlines has provided an update on the passengers and crew members of flight SQ321, which encountered severe turbulence en route from London to Singapore. 143 passengers and crew members were able to travel and have arrived safely in Singapore, while 79 passengers and six crew members remain in Bangkok, including those receiving medical care and their family members who were on the flight. The airline has assured all affected individuals that they will receive help and support during this difficult time. The turbulence occurred over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar about 10 hours into the flight, causing large gashes in the overhead cabin panels, gas masks, and panels hanging from the ceiling, as seen in photographs from inside the plane. The pilots were forced to request an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
During the turbulence, a 73-year-old British man passed away, most likely due to a heart attack, according to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport's general manager, Kittipong Kittikachorn. At a press conference, he also revealed that seven individuals were severely injured, some of whom had head injuries.