A passenger onboard the Singapore Airlines flight which suffered severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a passenger, has spoken out about his terrifying experience.
Earlier today, a Boeing 777-300ER plane flying from London to Singapore was diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, after experiencing turbulence which saw the aircraft drop 6,000ft (1,830m) in just three minutes.
The incident resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British passenger, while approximately 30 others remain in a critical condition.
In the hours following the accident, passengers onboard have been sharing their first hand accounts online and speaking to news outlets.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence, resulting in the death of one passenger and several other injuries. (X/@tinchok555)
Passenger Andrew Davies – from London – was travelling on the flight and has explained his experience to BBC News, calling it ‘surreal’.
“I was covered in coffee,” he told 5 Live. “During the few seconds of the plane dropping there was an awful screaming and what sounded like a thud.”
He went on to describe the immediate aftermath, saying he witnessed passengers giving first aid to each other and one person calling for a defibrillator.
“So many injured people – head lacerations, bleeding ears,” he said, adding: “A lady was screaming in pain with a bad back. I couldn’t help her – just got her water.
“Lots of people injured – including the air stewards who were stoic and did everything they could. I wish I could have helped more.”
Disembarking just now
He went on to reveal that he spoke about the experience with a member of the Singapore Airlines cabin crew who said it was her ‘worst’ experience in 30 years of flying.
However Andrew added that the incident hadn’t put him off flying all-together, as it was a ‘rare occurrence’.
“I will get on another flight, these are very rare occurrences,” he said.
The turbulence flight SQ321 experienced took place at about 3.45pm local time (9.45am UK time), whiel it had been cruising at around 37,000ft (11,280m).
Following the accident, airport head Kittipong Kittikachorn confirmed that the deceased passenger was a 73-year-old British national who had a heart condition.
Multiple passengers have now spoken out about the terrifying incident. (X/@tinchok555)
“I confirm the death toll is one person…we learned he had a heart condition,” Kittikachorn said.
“The death is now to be subject to an autopsy but we think it could be caused by a heart attack. The deceased was a British national, 73-years-old.
“The police has taken over the case and the body will be sent to autopsy department then they will contact the embassy.”
He went on to add that a further seven people are in a critical condition, while 23 passengers are being treated for less severe injuries.