A Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence, causing one passenger to die from a suspected heart attack and injuring 71 others. The plane, carrying 23 New Zealanders, was forced to land in Bangkok. Passengers and crew were thrown around the cabin, causing significant injuries and damage. Among the injured were two New Zealanders, who were treated at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital.
The flight from London to Singapore hit turbulence over Myanmar, leading the pilot to declare a medical emergency and divert to Bangkok. Images showed damage inside the cabin, with overhead panels and gas masks dislodged. The turbulence threw unbelted passengers into the ceiling, causing head injuries.
A hotline for relatives is available at +65 6542 3311. Singapore Airlines expressed condolences and apologized for the incident, while New Zealand authorities are seeking more information. The incident is under investigation by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau.
