Singapore Airlines full statement after British man, 73, died on UK flight

Singapore Airlines has issued a statement after a passenger died on a flight from London. The airline confirmed one person on board flight SQ321 died and others were injured during a trip from London to Singapore.

Severe turbulence meant the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Thailand on Tuesday, May 21. A total of 211 passengers and 18 crew were onboard the Boeing 777-300ER jet when it experienced the extreme weather conditions.

It was entering Thai airspace when the turbulence happened. There are currently extreme tropical thunderstorms in the region.

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A spokesperson for the airline said: "Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on May 21, 2024, encountered severe turbulence en route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time.

"We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.

"Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.

"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed. We will provide regular updates on our Facebook and X accounts."

The flight departed Heathrow Airport on Monday evening and was due to arrive at Singapore Changi Airport at 6.10pm local time, MirrorOnline reports. But the aircraft was diverted to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, in Bangkok.

It made an emergency landing shortly before 4pm local time. Tracking data captured by FlightRadar24 showed the Singapore Airlines flight cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,300 meters).

Just after 08.00 GMT, the Boeing 777 suddenly and sharply pitched down to 31,000 feet (9,400 meters) over about three minute. The aircraft stayed at 31,000 feet (9,400 meters) for about 10 minutes before rapidly descending and landing in Bangkok in just under half an hour.

The descent happened as the flight was over the Andaman Sea approaching Myanmar. Emergency crews from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital - about 12 miles away from Suvarnabhumi Airport - were on site to transfer injured passengers from the plane off the runway for treatment.

Videos posted on the LINE messaging platform by Suvarnabhumi Airport showed ambulances after they rushed to the scene. The incident comes as heavy rain was forecast in the region yesterday and today.

Meteorologists predicted it would be occasionally thundery. Weather such as this can lead to difficult conditions for aircraft.

Singapore Airlines has not confirmed what caused the extreme turbulence. Singapore's Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced that the government will provide assistance to passengers and their families.

He said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore." The passenger who died was a 73-year-old British man, officials said.