Passenger killed and 30 injured after flight from London hit by severe turbulence

Others were also left injured (Picture: Viral Press)

One passenger has been killed on a flight from London to Singapore after the aircraft was struck by severe turbulence.

Others were also left injured, forcing the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER to divert to Bangkok.

The airline said: ‘Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024 encountered severe turbulence en-route.

‘We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board.

‘Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

‘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 aircraft, registered 9V-SWM, was seen on the tarmac surrounded by ambulances.

There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.

The plane landed at 15:45 local time (08:00 GMT).

The aircraft was struck by severe turbulence

What is turbulence?

Turbulence is often referred to as ‘rough air’, caused by changes in wind speed and direction.

Thunderstorms, jet streams, changes in temperature, updraughts and weather fronts can all lead to turbulence.

Turbulence is generally classed as one of four categorisations – light, moderate, severe and extreme.

In severe turbulence planes may be subjected to large, abrupt changes in altitude, and the aircraft may be temporarily out of control.

In extreme turbulence the aircraft is ‘violently tossed about and practically impossible to control’, according to the US National Weather Service.

Because turbulence is not just caused by bad weather it is not always visible to pilots, and some turbulence also cannot be spotted by radar.

Airport staff prepare for the arrival of a flight in which a passenger died (Picture: ViralPress)

There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board (Picture: ViralPress)

The plane was diverted to Bangkok (Picture: ViralPress)

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