AT least 79 passengers and six crew members of a Singapore Airlines flight are still receiving treatment in Bangkok after a traumatic flight marred by extreme turbulence injured people onboard while traveling 37,000 feet up in the air.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 was bound from London to Singapore when extreme turbulence hit the aircraft over the Indian Ocean on Tuesday.
The severe turbulence caused the plane to drop more than 6,000 feet (1800m) in three minutes.
The aircraft, which was transporting 211 passengers and 18 crew members onboard, experienced extreme turbulence about ten hours after takeoff.
Passengers with no seatbelts on were immediately hurled to the ceiling which caused serious injuries as chaos and screams filled the aircraft.
A British passenger identified as 73-year-old Geoffrey Kitchen died from a suspected heart attack.
Singaporean Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has promised a “thorough investigation” and sent his “deepest condolences” to the family and loved ones of the deceased passenger.
A relief flight carrying other passengers arrived in Singapore on Wednesday.
The head of Singapore Airlines has apologized for the traumatic experience faced by the passengers, adding the company is cooperating with relevant authorities for the investigation.
