Experts Begin Probe of Singapore Airlines Turbulence Incident | Macau Daily Times

Singapore Airlines plane hit severe turbulence, killing one and injuring dozens. Investigators seek to learn how and why the incident occurred.

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft of Singapore Airlines was parked at Suvarnabhumi International Airport near Bangkok, where aviation investigators arrived to determine the cause of severe turbulence that led to a tragic incident on Flight SQ321. The flight, which was en route from London to Singapore, experienced sudden turbulence over the Andaman Sea, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly, resulting in the death of a British passenger and injuries to many others.

Following the incident, 20 individuals were in intensive care at a hospital in Bangkok, with several others receiving medical treatment. The captain made a quick decision to divert the plane to Suvarnabhumi Airport, where over 80 passengers were sent to the hospital. Singapore Airlines arranged a special flight to transport those who were well enough to travel back to Singapore, while others remained in Bangkok for further treatment.

The injured passengers came from various countries, including the UK, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Many were being treated at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, where several individuals were in intensive care and undergoing surgery. The hospital provided medical care to over 100 individuals, with nine surgeries performed on the day of the incident.

Officials from Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau arrived in Bangkok to investigate the incident, while passengers shared their harrowing experiences of being tossed around the cabin during the turbulence. The sudden descent of the Boeing 777-300ER highlighted the dangers of clear air turbulence, which can occur unexpectedly and pose a significant risk to passengers and crew.

The incident served as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols during flights, including wearing seatbelts at all times. Turbulence remains a common cause of accidents in commercial aviation, with clear air turbulence being particularly hazardous due to its unpredictable nature. Flight attendants and passengers were advised to remain vigilant and follow crew instructions to ensure their safety during flights.

As investigations continued and embassies checked on the condition of their citizens, the aviation industry was reminded of the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragic events of Flight SQ321 underscored the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of prioritizing passenger safety above all else.

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