Bangkok, Thailand – A Singapore Airlines flight (SQ 321) traveling from London to Singapore was forced to make an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok due to severe turbulence. The incident resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries.
The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 229 people (211 passengers and 18 crew members), encountered rough air during the flight. According to a statement from Singapore Airlines on Facebook, the turbulence caused one passenger to die onboard and another to suffer fatal injuries after being transported to a Thai hospital.
Thailand Nepal Online reported that a total of 30 passengers were injured, with 10 classified as seriously hurt. The remaining 20 passengers sustained minor injuries.
“Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the airline said. “We are working closely with Thai authorities to ensure all injured passengers receive the necessary medical attention. Additionally, we have dispatched a team to Bangkok to provide further support as needed.”
Emergency response units from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, were mobilized to transport the injured passengers. Social media footage shared on the LINE messaging app showed a line of ambulances arriving at the scene.
Flight tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press revealed a sudden descent of the aircraft from its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within a short timeframe. The plane remained at this lower altitude for nearly ten minutes before rapidly descending and landing in Bangkok within half an hour.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, emphasized that he had instructed the Airports of Thailand (AOT) to provide all necessary support and assistance to the affected passengers and crew. AOT officials are collaborating with Singapore Airlines to ensure the passengers’ well-being while they await a replacement aircraft scheduled to arrive from Changi Airport at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Suriya urged all aviation entities, including airlines, to prioritize passenger safety due to unpredictable weather conditions, including heavy rainfall reported in some areas.
This unfortunate event highlights the critical importance of robust safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures in aviation, particularly when faced with challenging weather situations.
