Singapore Airlines SQ321 Incident: A Detailed Account
On May 20, Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321, bound from London (Heathrow) to Singapore, encountered extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet, approximately 10 hours into its journey. The sudden and severe turbulence caused the aircraft to plummet 6,000 feet in a matter of minutes.
The incident resulted in the tragic death of a 73-year-old British man, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack. Additionally, over two dozen passengers sustained injuries, with 18 individuals requiring hospitalization and another 12 receiving medical attention at hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew underwent examinations and necessary treatment at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft carried a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members. The nationalities of the passengers were as follows:
- 56 from Australian- 2 from Canadan- 1 from Germanyn- 3 from Indian- 2 from Indonesian- 1 from Icelandn- 4 from Irelandn- 1 from Israeln- 16 from Malaysian- 2 from Myanmarn- 23 from New Zealandn- 5 from the Philippinesn- 41 from Singaporen- 1 from South Korean- 2 from Spainn- 47 from the United Kingdomn- 4 from the United States of America
The identities and nationalities of the injured passengers and crew have not been disclosed by the authorities.
Singapore Airlines expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized profusely for the traumatic experience endured by the passengers and crew. The airline vowed to provide all necessary assistance during this difficult time and is collaborating with local authorities in Thailand to facilitate support.
A Singapore Airlines team was dispatched to Bangkok to offer additional assistance as needed. The airline is cooperating with the relevant authorities in the investigation into this incident.
Relatives seeking information were advised to contact the Singapore Airlines hotlines provided.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. He expressed sadness and shock over the incident and affirmed that Singapore is working closely with Thai authorities to provide support to the passengers and crew.
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and indicated that they are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding the incident and stand ready to offer support.
Turbulence in aviation, while common, can range in intensity. Mild turbulence may cause passengers to feel a strain against their seatbelts and cause unsecured items to shift within the cabin. However, severe turbulence, as experienced in the SQ321 incident, can violently toss passengers around, leading to severe injuries and, in rare cases, fatalities.
