A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore faced severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The flight made an emergency landing in Bangkok, with approximately 30 reported injuries. The cause of the turbulence was linked to severe tropical thunderstorms in the region.
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was hit by severe turbulence, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The incident occurred on flight SQ321, a Boeing 777-300ER, which left Heathrow Airport at 22:17 local time on May 20, 2024, with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board. The turbulence struck as the plane was over the Bay of Bengal, forcing it to drop 6,000 feet in three minutes.
The flight was diverted to Bangkok, where it made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 3:45 PM local time on May 21. Emergency crews and ambulances were dispatched to treat the injured, with Thai media reporting approximately 30 injuries.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat expressed condolences and confirmed that the Singapore government is providing assistance to the affected passengers and their families. The cause of the turbulence was linked to severe tropical thunderstorms in the region at the time.
This marks a rare and tragic instance of turbulence causing a fatality, although turbulence-related incidents are the most common types of airline accidents. The last major incident for Singapore Airlines was in 2000, involving a Boeing 747 accident in Taipei.
The airline is working with Thai authorities to provide necessary medical assistance and has sent a team to Bangkok to support affected passengers and crew.
