BANGKOK.-One person died on board and several were injured when a plane traveling between London and Singapore suffered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said on Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews assisted the injured passengers in stormy weather.
The Boeing 777-300ER left Heathrow with a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board, and landed in Bangkok at 3:45 p.m. (0845 GMT), according to the company on Facebook.
Local emergency workers from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Suvarnabhumi Airport, were waiting at the scene to transport injured passengers from Flight SQ321 to receive medical care. Videos shared on the LINE messaging platform by the airport showed a line of ambulances arriving at the scene.
“Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” the airline said. “We are working with local authorities in Thailand to provide necessary medical assistance and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed.”
Flight data recorded by FlightRadar24 analyzed by The Associated Press showed that the Singapore Airlines flight had traveled to an altitude of 37,000 feet. Shortly after 0800 GMT, the Boeing 777 descended suddenly and sharply to 31,000 feet in a space of about three minutes.
The aircraft stayed at 31,000 feet for just under 10 minutes before descending rapidly and landing in Bangkok in just under half an hour.
Source: With information from AP
