In a tragic incident, Singapore Airlines reported one fatality and multiple injuries following "severe" turbulence during a flight.
The airline shared the unfortunate news via a social media post.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 777-300ER, which had taken off from London's Heathrow Airport on Monday. The flight, designated SQ 321, was carrying 221 passengers and 18 crew members, as per the airline's statement.
Approximately 90 minutes from its destination, Singapore, the flight experienced turbulence and was subsequently diverted to Bangkok, the airline reported.
Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old student aboard the flight, recounted the terrifying ordeal to ABC News. "Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking so I started bracing for what was happening, and very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing a seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling," Azmir said. "Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it; they hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it."
Singapore Airlines confirmed the death of one passenger and extended its condolences to the bereaved family. "Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased," the airline stated on Tuesday. "Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft."
The turbulence is believed to have occurred over the Andaman Sea. The flight, originally scheduled to land at Singapore Changi Airport, instead made its landing in Thailand around 3:45 p.m. local time, as reported by the carrier.
Boeing also expressed its readiness to assist Singapore Airlines. "We are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding flight SQ321 and stand ready to support them," Boeing stated. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one, and our thoughts are with the passengers and crew."
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