Singapore: Severe turbulence hit Singapore Airlines flight bound for Singapore from London on Tuesday on 21st May resulting in one passenger fatality and 30 injuries. The incident forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Bangkok.
Eyewitnesses aboard the flight recounted scenes of horror, describing "awful screaming" as the aircraft experienced a "dramatic drop." Passengers were thrown into chaos as objects flew and those not wearing seat belts were propelled into the ceiling, resulting in multiple head injuries.
One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying ordeal, as quoted by an international platform, "It felt like the plane was going to fall out of the sky. People were screaming, and there was panic everywhere."
A 73-year-old British man died during the incident, likely due to a heart attack, Kittikachorn said. Seven people were critically injured, some with head injuries. He added people were calm as they were led from the plane.
The incident sheds light on the unpredictable nature of air travel, with turbulence being a constant threat. According to aviation experts, such turbulent conditions are often encountered at jet stream boundaries and over mountainous regions, where air streams of differing speeds converge.
Turbulence analysis by the Turbli website reveals that certain flight routes, such as those crossing the Andes and regions near the equator, are particularly prone to turbulent weather due to unique atmospheric conditions.
As investigations into the tragic event continue, authorities urge airlines and passengers alike to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to minimize the risk of such incidents in the future.