One Passenger Dead, 71 Injured in Singapore Airlines Flight Turbulence Incident
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to 71 others. The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was about 10 hours into its flight and midway through meal service when it hit the turbulence at an altitude of 37,000 feet, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Passenger Accounts and Extent of Injuries
Passengers described the terrifying experience, with Andrew Davies recounting how “all hell broke loose” as shoes, electronic devices, cushions, blankets, cutlery, plates, and cups flew through the air and crashed into the ceiling. Some passengers suffered gashes on their heads, with one bleeding profusely and an elderly passenger in severe shock.
The injured passengers included citizens of Malaysia, the UK, New Zealand, Spain, the US, and Ireland, with some sustaining broken arms. The flight was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where it landed at 3:45 p.m. local time.
The 73-year-old British man who died was identified as Geoff Kitchen, a long-time member of the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group. The cause of his death is suspected to be a heart condition, but an autopsy is ongoing.
Possible Causes and Increasing Frequency of Turbulence
The turbulence was likely caused by rapidly developing thunderstorms over southern Myanmar, which are typical for this time of year as the southwest monsoon season begins in South Asia. These storms can form quickly and may not appear on radar in their earliest stages, making turbulence difficult to detect.
Research suggests that clear-air turbulence, the most dangerous type, will increase significantly around the globe by 2050-2080 due to the climate crisis. This incident follows several other recent cases of severe turbulence causing injuries on commercial flights.
About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow as the climate crisis is modifying turbulence, according to a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the UK.
Airline Response and Investigation
Singapore Airlines, often considered one of the world’s safest carriers, is working closely with local authorities and has sent a dedicated team to support those affected by the incident. The airline expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and apologized for the traumatic experience suffered by the passengers and crew.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and apologized for the trauma experienced by all passengers and crew members. The Singapore Ministry of Transport and the US National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
Boeing has said it is in touch with the Singaporean carrier and is “ready to support them.” The manufacturer is deferring further questions to the airline and local authorities.
The Need for Increased Safety Measures
The severe turbulence incident on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 has once again highlighted the dangers posed by this unpredictable and potentially deadly phenomenon. As the frequency and intensity of turbulence are expected to increase due to climate change, airlines and aviation authorities must work together to develop better detection and avoidance systems to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Passengers should always follow crew instructions and wear their seat belts whenever seated, as it is a matter of life and death. Airlines should also invest in research and technology to improve turbulence forecasting and develop better strategies to mitigate its impact on flights.
The thoughts and condolences of the aviation community are with the family of the deceased passenger and those injured in this tragic event. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in air travel and the need for continuous improvement in turbulence management.
