The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today confirmed that a total of 16 Malaysians were on board Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore when the aircraft experienced severe turbulence en route to the destination yesterday (21 May) which resulted in the death of a passenger, while at least 30 others were injured.
Following the severe turbulence, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft had to divert and make an emergency landing in Bangkok. In an official statement, Wisma Putra said that out of the 16 Malaysians, 9 were injured, 1 of whom are in critical condition.
9 Malaysians onboard are currently receiving treatment in Bangkok, 1 in critical condition
The Ministry revealed that 1 of the Malaysians onboard was part of a Singapore Airlines crew for the flight. Wisma Putra added that all 9 injured are currently receiving treatment for the injuries they sustained.
Furthermore, the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok has been coordinating with local Thai authorities and hospitals, with consular officers visiting Malaysians who were admitted to several hospitals in Bangkok to provide consular assistance.
Currently, 6 Malaysians are being treated at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital and 3 at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital. Both hospitals said that all 9 of them suffered physical and internal injuries, with 1 person in critical but stable condition.
Besides that, the Ministry also extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured in the unfortunate incident.
According to the BBC, the deceased was identified as 73-year-old British man Geoff Kitchen, who died from a suspected heart attack during the incident.
The tragic incident is Singapore Airlines’ 1st fatal incident in 24 years.
Condolences to the family of the deceased and we hope everyone injured in the incident has a speedy recovery ?
Also read: BREAKING: 1 Dead, 30 Injured After Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 Experienced Severe Turbulence