The Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members when it crossed an area of strong turbulence. The strong vibrations have in fact caused objects and people to be thrown upwards: around 70 people were injured, one died. The plane, which was traveling at around 11,000 meters above the ground, lost almost 2,000 meters of altitude in a few minutes, causing problems inside the cabin. Given the serious causes, the pilot activated the emergency landing: the flight landed in Bangkok, Thailand, where numerous ambulances were ready to assist the passengers.
the victim
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The victim is Geoffrey Kitchen, a 73-year-old man of English origins. The cause of death has not yet been ascertained, according to investigations it may have been a cardiac arrest. The man was on holiday with his wife who was transported together with other injured people to hospital after the emergency landing. With the help of the authorities and the airline, 143 passengers and crew members have returned to Singapore, while the remainder are still in hospital for checks.
the reconstruction
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Boeing 777-300 ER number SQ321 departed London Heathrow Airport at 10.38pm on May 20 (local time) towards Singapore. During the journey the plane encountered a Clean Air Turbulence area, an area of strong turbulence not characterized by the presence of clouds. The thunderstorms that were occurring in that area at that time may have contributed to the sudden change in air flows, causing strong vibrations and air pockets. In the cabin dozens of people without belts began to suffer vibrations and during the loss of altitude they were thrown upwards, probably hitting his head on the ceiling. Numerous catering items were also flying uncontrolled, another possible cause of the injuries suffered by numerous passengers. One person, yet to be confirmed whether it was a passenger or a crew member, was killed. The plane then made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, where a line of ambulances waited to take the injured to hospital. According to investigations, the seat belt warning light was on, but many crew members did not have time to reach their stations. “Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the victim’s family” – states the airline – “We are collaborating with local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance and are sending a team to Bangkok to provide any further assistance necessary” .
