In a harrowing incident, a Singapore Airlines flight from London encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 30 passengers. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, showcasing the terrifying realities of in-flight turbulence.

The turbulence struck Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, en route from London Heathrow to Singapore, while it was flying over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet. The incident occurred approximately 10 hours after departure, leading the pilot to declare a medical emergency and divert the aircraft to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where it landed at 3:45 PM local time on May 21.

Disturbing images and videos from inside the aircraft reveal the aftermath: dented overhead bins, food items scattered across the floor, and oxygen masks dangling from the ceiling. These visuals capture the sheer chaos and fear experienced by those on board.

Tragically, a 73-year-old British man lost his life, reportedly due to a heart attack during the incident. He was traveling with his wife, who has been hospitalized in Bangkok. Additionally, 18 people have been hospitalized, with 12 others receiving treatment for their injuries.

Passengers recounted the terror of the sudden turbulence. Andrew Davies, who was onboard, described the scene to BBC, saying, “I was covered in coffee… During the few seconds of the plane dropping, there was awful screaming and what sounded like a thud.” Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old student, added, “Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking, and very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop. Everyone seated and not wearing seatbelts was launched immediately into the ceiling.”

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, was about 90 minutes away from its destination when the incident occurred. FlightRadar 24 data indicated that the turbulence event happened prior to the plane’s descent from 37,000 to 31,000 feet, suggesting a significant altitude drop.

Singapore Airlines, using a 16-year-old Boeing 777 model for this flight, confirmed the fatality in a statement and extended its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. The airline also confirmed the turbulence and the subsequent emergency landing.

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport has announced that its Transport Safety Investigation Bureau will be investigating the incident to determine the causes and ensure measures are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of adhering to safety protocols, such as keeping seatbelts fastened during flight. The loss and injuries sustained highlight the need for continued advancements in aviation safety and preparedness.