Severe turbulence leaves one dead and multiple injured on flight from UK

Severe turbulence has left one person dead and multiple injured on a flight from the UK to Singapore.

The Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, which departed from London, was forced to divert to Bangkok, Thailand, after experiencing severe turbulence. It landed at 15:45 local time (08:00 GMT) today, on Tuesday 21 May.

The aircraft left the UK on Monday, 20 May a little after at 22.17 local time, according to flight tracking data.

The plane then requested permission to make an emergency landing at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok before touching down a little before 4pm local time.

The plane was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew before it hit turbulence. (X/@JoanValls)

Reports state that several ambulances were seen on the tarmac preparing to treat passengers following the horrific ordeal.

Singapore Airlines has since released a statement to social media on the matter.

It reads: "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. 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.

"We will provide regular updates on our Facebook and X accounts."

The aircraft encountered 'severe turbulence' en-route. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

People have since commented below the social media posts sharing their condolences for the passenger who was tragically killed during the flight.

One X, formerly Twitter, user said it was 'heartbreaking news', while another wrote: "Sad news indeed."

"Rest in peace to the passenger," offered a third.

A Facebook user penned: "Sending love and care to crew and passengers and their loved ones. May you heal from this horrific experience."

As another added: "How incredibly upsetting for everyone involved."

Others said the news was 'so tragic' and 'must have been so scary' for the people on board the plane.

Many more also sympathised with what must have been 'a nightmare to all passengers'.

According to the National Weather Service, turbulence occurs due to friction between the air and the ground, especially irregular terrain and man-made obstacles, which causes eddies and therefore turbulence in the lower levels.