A 73-year-old British passenger is confirmed to have passed away following severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight which has left dozens of travellers injured.
The elderly man passed away and several others are in critical condition following the shocking events which unfolded onboard the Boeing 777-300ER, which was en route to Singapore from London.
The plane had departed from Heathrow Airport on Monday night (20 May), carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.
Advert
But according to Singapore Airlines, the aircraft suddenly ran into 'severe turbulence' which forced pilots to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.
Flight tracking data shows that the Boeing was cruising at 37,000ft (11,280m) and had dropped by a whopping 6,000ft (1,830m) in the space of around three minutes.
Those onboard have described 'chaotic' scenes where they watched others get 'launched into the ceiling' as the plane struggled through the skies after suffering a 'dramatic drop'.
Advert
The jet diverted to the Thai capital and arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport at 3.45pm local time on Tuesday (21 May), which is 9.45am UK time.
The head of the airport, Kittipong Kittikachorn, has now confirmed that a Brit is the deceased passenger.
He explained that the man, who was travelling with his wife, had a heart condition and said it is currently suspected that he may have suffered a 'possible heart attack'.
Kittikachorn said: "I confirm the death toll is one person...we learned he had a heart condition.
Advert
"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."
Kittikachorn went on to explain that another seven people are in a critical condition, while 23 people - including some crew members - are being treated for injuries which were less severe.
"Most injuries are from cuts to the head," he told reporters, before adding: "There were lots of passengers who couldn’t walk and we rescued them from the plane."
Advert
He said an investigation into the tragic incident has been launched and that roughly half of the 200 passengers who were travelling with Singapore Airlines will be ready to continue their journey later tonight.
Passenger Dzafran Azmir claimed that the crew and those who were inside the lavatory or not wearing their seatbelt at the time were 'hurt the most'.
He said: "We discovered people just on the ground not able to get up. There were a lot of spinal and head injuries."
Advert
Shocking images which have began to circulate on social media show the damage inside of the cabin, including dents in overhead bins and the ceiling.
Other snaps show food, cutlery and people's belongings littered across the floor.
Singapore Airlines said in a statement: "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.
LADbible has contacted the UK Foreign Office for comment.
Topics: Travel, World News, UK News, Health
Olivia Burke