Updated: Passenger dies after ‘severe turbulence’ on Singapore Airlines flight from UK

A passenger has died and others have been injured during severe turbulence on a flight from Heathrow to Singapore.

A report by the BBC said the person who died was a 73-year-old British man who likely had a heart attack on the Singapore Airlines aircraft.

He was travelling with his wife who has been admitted to a hospital in Bangkok.

The broadcaster added 53 passengers and nine crew members were injured as a result of turbulence on the flight, which was forced to divert to Bangkok in Thailand. Seven people are in a critical condition.

The carrier said flight SQ321, which had departed on Monday evening (May 20), encountered “severe turbulence” en-route.

The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time on Tuesday (May 21), said the airline.

“We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER,” it said in a statement.

“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.”

The carrier said it will provide regular updates on its Facebook and X accounts. A hotline has been set up for relatives seeking information at +65 6542 3311.

Tracking data published by FlightRadar24 shows the plane was cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet over the Andaman Sea off the coast of Myanmar shortly after 9am BST when it sharply dropped by 6,000 feet.

Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time on 21 May 2024.

We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on…

— Singapore Airlines (@SingaporeAir) May 21, 2024