Singapore Airlines CEO Apologizes After Fatal Turbulence, Vows Support for Injured
New Delhi. On Wednesday, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong publicly apologised following a tragic incident where one passenger died and 30 others were injured due to severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore.
CEO's Apology and Commitment
In a video message, Phong expressed regret for the ordeal experienced by those aboard flight SQ321. "We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through," he said.
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In total 30 people were injured and a 73-year-old British man was killed.
The incident happened after the plane fell a whopping… pic.twitter.com/qWyVjMroqF
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and reassured that the airline is committed to providing support to all affected.
Details of the Incident
The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, encountered extreme turbulence at 37,000 feet. The flight, which departed from London’s Heathrow Airport, experienced turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar, about 10 hours into the journey.
Passenger and Airport Accounts
Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with some passengers hitting their heads on the overhead panels. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn confirmed the death of a 73-year-old British man, likely due to a heart attack, and reported seven critical injuries, including head traumas.
Phong concluded his message with a reassurance to all affected by the incident: "Please be assured that Singapore Airlines is here to help and support you during this difficult time."
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of air travel and underscores the importance of passenger safety and airline preparedness in responding to emergencies.
Immediate Actions and Assistance
Phong highlighted the airline's efforts to assist passengers and crew. "A relief flight with 143 of the SQ321 passengers and crew members, who were able to travel, arrived in Singapore this morning. Another 79 passengers and six crew members, including those receiving medical care and their family members, remain in Bangkok," he said. He also assured ongoing cooperation with authorities investigating the incident.
The turbulence struck while cabin crew were serving breakfast, causing the plane to drop sharply and prompting an emergency landing. The flight landed safely at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 3:45 pm local time on Tuesday.