A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar, causing a significant drop in altitude, one fatality, and numerous injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed rapid gravitational changes leading to the tragic incident, with ongoing investigations involving multiple authorities and agencies.
On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence over Myanmar, leading to a significant drop in altitude and resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. Preliminary findings disclosed that the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, descended 54 meters in just 4.6 seconds due to rapid gravitational changes.
The turbulence caused vertical acceleration to shift sharply, throwing unbuckled occupants into the air before they fell back, leading to multiple injuries. A 73-year-old British passenger, Geoffrey Kitchen, suffered a suspected heart attack and died. The flight was diverted for an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Photographs showed considerable damage inside the aircraft, including broken panels and strewn luggage. Singapore Airlines stated its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, which involves Singaporean authorities, Boeing, and U.S. agencies such as the NTSB and FAA. At the time, 28 passengers remained hospitalized in Bangkok.