On a recent flight with Singapore Airlines, tragedy struck as severe turbulence caused chaos in the cabin, resulting in one passenger losing their life and a dozen others sustaining injuries. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of safety measures in place to protect passengers.
As the plane encountered unexpected turbulence, panic and fear swept through the cabin as passengers were jolted violently in their seats. Despite efforts by the crew to reassure and calm passengers, the situation quickly escalated into a medical emergency with multiple injuries reported.
Singapore Airlines said 18 people needed to be hospitalized, and another 12 were treated in local hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were being examined and treated.
U.S., and 18 crew members on board the flight when the incident occurred.
A later statement from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital said 71 people had been treated there, including six who were severely injured. No explanation of the discrepancy in numbers was available.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,300 meters).
Turbulence could become more frequent and severe as climate change affects the world, according to a June 2023 study. Between 1979 and 2020, severe or greater turbulence increased by 55% for flights across the North Atlantic, the study found, and the authors said it's expected to worsen because of climate change. "An invisible form called clear-air turbulence (CAT) is predicted to become more frequent because of climate change," the authors wrote.
While cases like those aboard Flight SQ321 are relatively uncommon, air travelers should be prepared to experience more turbulence in the years to come, Nelson said.
And "as our climate changes, severe and clear air turbulence instances are on the rise," she explained. "Always follow crew instructions and wear your seat belt whenever seated. It is a matter of life and death."
The flight operator expressed its “deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologize for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight.”
Boeing has said it is in touch with the Singaporean carrier and is “ready to support them.” The manufacturer is deferring further questions to the airline and local authorities.
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