Passengers onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experienced terror and chaos as the Boeing 777-300R encountered unexpected turbulence on its journey from London to Singapore. With approximately three hours remaining in the flight, Malaysian student Dzafran Azmir sensed trouble when he felt the plane tilting upwards and shaking.
Azmir described the sudden and dramatic drop that ensued, causing unsecured passengers to be violently thrown upwards, hitting their heads on overhead baggage cabins and breaking through ceiling fixtures. The scene was chaotic, with personal belongings, including phones and shoes, flying about the cabin.
Tragically, one passenger lost their life, and 30 others sustained injuries as a result of the turbulence and subsequent fall into an air pocket. Many suffered spinal and head injuries, with the crew and passengers inside lavatories being particularly affected.
Captain of the flight made the decision to perform an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, to ensure the safety of everyone onboard. Once the plane was on the ground, medical personnel rushed in to attend to the injured.
READ MORE: “One Killed, Thirty Injured As London-Singapore Flight Faces Severe Turbulence”
However, the extent of the injuries seemed to catch them off guard, with Azmir noting that many passengers were unable to get up from the floor.
The evacuation process proved challenging, taking approximately 90 minutes to complete. Ambulances arrived at the scene, and at least eight individuals were seen being taken out on stretchers through emergency exits.
The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of following safety protocols, such as wearing seatbelts during the flight. Investigations will likely be conducted to determine the cause of the turbulence and assess any potential safety measures that could prevent similar incidents in the future.
Singapore Airlines expressed condolences for the loss of life and pledged full cooperation with authorities in their investigations. The airline also offered support to those affected by the traumatic event, emphasizing the well-being of its passengers as a top priority.
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