Over 20 Passengers Injured in Turbulent Singapore Airlines Flight Report Spinal Injuries, Hospital Reveals

More than 20 passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight from London were injured during turbulence on Tuesday. A Bangkok hospital that treated some of the passengers reported that 22 patients are receiving treatment for spinal injuries. Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, the director of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, mentioned that six patients have skull and brain injuries, and 13 others have bone, muscle, or soft tissue complaints.

The doctor mentioned that 17 patients had surgery, ranging from simple suturing to complex spinal operations.

Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was flying at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when it suddenly dropped before quickly climbing back up several hundred feet, as shown by flight tracking data. This up and down motion continued for about a minute.

Many passengers were enjoying their breakfast when the incident occurred. Inside the aircraft after its emergency landing in Bangkok, video and images revealed the damage caused, with overhead compartments broken open and emergency oxygen masks hanging above the seats.

A photo of one galley depicted a part of the ceiling exposed, with plane interior components hanging down. The floor was littered with trays, containers, plastic bottles, and hot beverage pots.

The interior of Singapore Airline flight SG321 is pictured after an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

The interior of Singapore Airline flight SG321 is pictured after an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer

Reuters

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Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight experienced a nightmare at 37,000 feet when chaos erupted. The plane, with 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, was diverted to Bangkok after the incident. Ambulances and emergency response teams were ready and waiting for the plane to land.

Citizens from Australia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and Ireland were among those injured on the flight, as reported by the hospital.

Out of the 71 passengers who were injured on the flight, 55 individuals are still receiving treatment in hospital, with 40 of them being cared for at the Samitivej Srinakarin facility.

A 73-year-old man from Britain passed away while on board due to a pre-existing heart condition. However, hospital officials have not yet determined the exact cause of his death.

The man was later identified as Geoff Kitchen, who was known for his gentlemanly demeanor and unwavering honesty during his 35-year tenure at the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group.

Of the passengers and crew on board the original flight, 143 were flown to Singapore on a relief flight sent by Singapore Airlines on Wednesday morning.

Editor's P/S:

The turbulence-induced injuries suffered by passengers on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 are a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in air travel. The sudden and violent drops and climbs experienced at 37,000 feet left 22 passengers with spinal injuries, six with skull and brain injuries, and numerous others with bone, muscle, or soft tissue complaints. The emergency landing in Bangkok and the subsequent treatment of the injured highlight the importance of swift medical intervention and the resilience of those affected.

The death of a 73-year-old British man during the flight underscores the potential for pre-existing medical conditions to be exacerbated by such traumatic events. The investigation into his demise will hopefully shed light on the specific factors that contributed to his passing. Meanwhile, the passengers and crew who escaped serious injury will undoubtedly be grateful for their survival and the support they have received from the medical staff and their fellow travelers.