Flight tracker shows plane dropping 6,000ft during severe turbulence that left one dead

Shocking details about the incident surrounding the death of a passenger on a Singapore Airlines long-haul flight following a bout of severe turbulence have emerged.

The aviation industry has been rocked by the tragic incident, which also left multiple others injured, 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.

But according to the Singapore Airlines, the aircraft suddenly ran into 'severe turbulence' which forced pilots to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand.

Local media claimed that ambulances were seen rushing onto the tarmac in anticipation of the jet's arrival to prepare to assist passengers who had been wounded during the chaos that unfolded in the skies.

The airline later confirmed that one traveller had tragically passed away, saying it offers its 'deepest condolences' to the loved ones of the late passenger.

The identity of the deceased and their cause of death have not yet been revealed.

According to flight tracking data, 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.

The full details of the incident are still being established, but the figures provide a chilling insight into what may have happened onboard.

In a statement, Singapore Airlines told concerned customers: "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 on 21 May 2024. We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER.

"There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board. Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.

According to the flight tracking data on the London to Singapore flight, the plane was cruising at 37000 feet and in around 3 minutes it drops by 6000 feet. @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/lgDxevYgoy

— Cordelia Lynch (@CordeliaSkyNews) May 21, 2024

"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed," the statement continued.

According to the US National Weather Service, severe turbulence causes large and abrupt changes in altitude.

It explained: "And, usually, large variations in indicated airspeed. The airplane may momentarily be out of control.

"Occupants of the airplane will be forced violently against their seat belts."

Passengers are now receiving medical assistance in Bangkok, according to reports, with a fleet of ambulances seen waiting at the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Singapore Airlines promised to keep people updated with any further information via Twitter and Facebook.