Passenger onboard flight from UK describes moment plane hit severe turbulence leaving one dead

A passenger on board a flight from London to Singapore which had to make an emergency landing after encountering severe turbulence has described what it was like.

The Singapore Airlines flight had to land at Bangkok, Thailand and someone on board died with others injured after the flight got into trouble.

The airline released a statement saying: "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.

"We can confirm that there are multiple injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

"As of 1950hrs Singapore time on 21 May 2024, 18 individuals have been hospitalised. Another 12 are being treated in hospitals.

The plane had to make an emergency landing in Thailand. (X/@tinchok555)

"The remaining passengers and crew are being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

"There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.

"Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight.

"We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.

"We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance. A Singapore Airlines team is on the way to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed."

The airline also said it had a hotline set up for any relatives seeking information about their loved ones, telling people to call +65 6542 3311.

Ambulances drove onto the runway. (X/@tinchok555)

Speaking to Reuters, 28-year-old student Dzafran Azmir who was a passenger on the plane explained what happened on board.

"Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking so I started bracing for what was happening, and very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling," they said of the moment the plane encountered turbulence.

"Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it, they hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it."

Flight Tracker showed that the Boeing 777 dropped by around 6,000ft in a matter of minutes, as the flight had been cruising 37,000ft and dropped significantly in around three minutes.

Many flights experience turbulence, which occur when a plane enters a strong current of wind which is normally caused by mountains, jet streams and storms.