Breaking: 1 Dead After Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 Hits Severe Turbulence

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 22, 2024 15:30 PMNews
Share:
White singapore airlines airplane flying during cloudy day
White singapore airlines airplane flying during cloudy day. Source: unsplash

A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger. The Boeing 777, operating flight SQ321, diverted to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) after issuing a general emergency signal. The incident occurred on May 21, 2024, and involved the aircraft registered as 9V-SWM.

Singapore Airlines confirmed the fatality and stated that their priority is to provide assistance to all passengers and crew on board. The airline is working with local authorities in Thailand to offer necessary medical help and has dispatched a team to Bangkok for additional support.

According to reports, the deceased was a 73-year-old British man who likely suffered a heart attack. His wife has been hospitalized, and a total of 53 passengers and one crew member sustained injuries. The turbulence struck as the aircraft, initially cruising at 37,000 feet, began its descent towards Bangkok around 09:00 London time (16:00 Singapore time).

Flight SQ321 departed from London Heathrow Airport at 22:38, about half an hour behind schedule. The turbulence led to the aircraft squawking 7700, indicating a general emergency, before landing safely in Bangkok at 15:45 local time.

The Boeing 777 involved in the incident, registered as 9V-SWM, has been with Singapore Airlines since its delivery in February 2008 and is configured with 264 seats. The aircraft recently returned to service after being in storage since December 2021.

Severe turbulence can cause significant injury or death due to the sudden and violent movements of the aircraft. Passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened while seated to avoid injuries from unexpected turbulence. Images shared on social media showed a chaotic scene in the aircraft's galley, indicating the severity of the turbulence.

Singapore Airlines is making arrangements for the affected passengers and working to ensure their safety and comfort in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Modern hotel room with wooden interior and sunlight streaming through large windows

Crowne Plaza to Open in Lagos’ Commercial Hub Bringing More Options for Travellers by 2028

Jun 23, 2025 19:37 PM
SAS aircraft parked at sunset ahead of SkyTeam system updates

SkyTeam Overhauls Travel Flow at Major European Hubs

Jun 23, 2025 17:26 PM

Three Weeks Without Trains: Stockport Closure to Disrupt Key UK Rail Routes

Jun 23, 2025 15:43 PM

Qatar's New 777-9 Jets to Feature Unified Cabin System

Jun 23, 2025 14:39 PM
Brussels Airlines aircraft touching down on runway

Brussels Airlines Adds More Planes and Routes Ahead of Summer Rush

Jun 22, 2025 23:22 PM
Tangier hillside and coastline at dusk

New Gateway to Morocco’s Sacred Hills and Roman Ruins

Jun 22, 2025 21:35 PM
Qatar Airways aircraft preparing to land

Qatar Airways Brings Forward Flight Departure Times from June 22

Jun 21, 2025 23:49 PM
Rail workers conducting track and signal maintenance at a train station during daylight hours

Two-Week Rail Closure to Disrupt Key Surrey Route to Gatwick This September

Jun 21, 2025 21:23 PM
Air Transat aircraft approaching for landing under clear skies

Toronto to Berlin Now Connected by Nonstop Flights Opening Easier Travel Options

Jun 21, 2025 19:36 PM

Glasgow Adds Compulsory Fee to All Overnight Stays from 2027

Jun 21, 2025 17:47 PM

Seasonal Flight from Bremen to Varna Adds New Link to Bulgaria’s Coast

Jun 21, 2025 09:21 AM
Construction worker in safety gear at railway site

Long-Term Closure of Deighton Station to Disrupt Travel Until 2027

Jun 21, 2025 07:34 AM
Airplane flying through a clear blue sky

Summer Flights to Tokyo Now Cheaper from Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul

Jun 20, 2025 23:44 PM
Man checking phone at train station during sunset

EMR Agrees New Ticket Sharing Rules with Northern and TPE

Jun 20, 2025 21:27 PM
Wizz Air airplane ascending into the sky

Gatwick Expands Summer Routes to Eight New Cities Across Europe and Africa

Jun 20, 2025 19:31 PM

Ty Glas Station Closure to Impact Travel and Local Access for Months

Jun 20, 2025 18:46 PM

Emirates Adds Third Daily Flight to Barcelona Enhancing Travel Options

Jun 20, 2025 17:28 PM
Railway worker operating near freight car during maintenance

Gloucestershire Rail Works in July to Cause Delays and Route Changes for Travelers

Jun 20, 2025 05:32 AM
AirAsia aircraft in flight against a blue sky

AirAsia Celebrates Global Ranking with Network-Wide Flight Promotions

Jun 19, 2025 23:44 PM
Railway worker carrying out track maintenance with hand tools

Track Closure Alert: Subway Construction to Halt Trains in Norfolk

Jun 19, 2025 21:23 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Emirates Partners with Uber to Simplify Airport Transfers

Jun 19, 2025 19:38 PM
Night view of Hotel del Coronado with lit palm trees and fountain

Coronado’s Historic Hotel Returns After Major Restoration

Jun 19, 2025 17:45 PM

Air Travel Alert: Strike Set to Disrupt Northern Italy Airports on June 20

Jun 19, 2025 04:22 AM

Finland’s Midnight Sun Transforms Summer Travel Experiences

Jun 19, 2025 02:37 AM
Wizz Air aircraft taking off from a runway with trees in the background

Wizz Air Reopens Suceava Base Opening New Direct Flights for Travelers

Jun 18, 2025 23:47 PM
Modern hotel room with two twin beds and warm lighting

New Opening in Covent Garden Blends London Setting with New York Flavour

Jun 18, 2025 21:24 PM