Singapore Airlines reports that 46 people are still hospitalized following severe mid-flight turbulence, which resulted in one fatality. According to the airline’s Facebook page, two crew members and 44 passengers are still receiving medical treatment in Bangkok after the in-air incident on Tuesday, May 21.
Meanwhile, according to The Independent, twenty people were admitted to the intensive care unit at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital.
Hospital director Adinun Kittiratanapaibool revealed that the number of cases has remained stable, with none appearing to be life-threatening. Among the hospitalized victims, 22 suffer from spinal cord injuries, and six others have sustained brain and skull injuries, Kittiratanapaibool explained.
On Thursday in Bangkok, CEO Goh Choon Phong met with affected passengers, crew members, and their loved ones. Phong wanted “to personally offer his support and to understand their concerns.”
“The well-being of our passengers and crew members remains our priority,” Phong explained in a statement. “I have given them my personal assurance that we will take care of them during this difficult time.”
A Passenger of the Ill Fated Singapore Airlines Flight Recounts His Experience
Singapore Airlines announced that, upon request, employees have arranged travel to Bangkok for their families and loved ones.
The Boeing 777 flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, departed from London’s Heathrow Airport en route to Singapore. According to a previous statement shared on Facebook by Singapore Airlines, the aircraft encountered turbulence during the journey.
Geoffrey Kitchen, a 73-year-old grandfather, passed away from a suspected heart attack shortly following the ill-fated flight’s issues.
Meanwhile, Josh Silverstone, a 24-year-old London native, shared with The Independent that he was among those hospitalized following the flight. During his journey to Bali, he suffered a cut above his eye and a chipped tooth.
“I woke up on the floor, I didn’t realize what happened, I must’ve hit my head somewhere,” Silverstone recalled to the outlet. “There were people laying out on the floor.”
Silverstone has since been discharged from the hospital.
Singapore Airlines is reportedly introducing new safety measures following the incident. These include suspending meal and hot beverage services whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.
“Crew members will also return to their seats and secure their seat belts when the seat-belt sign is on,” the airline said, according to ABC News.
“SIA will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance,” they added.