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Singapore
AsiaSoutheast Asia

34 Singapore Airlines passengers still in hospital 1 week after deadly turbulence

  • Most of the injuries sustained by passengers on Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore on May 21 involved the head or spine
  • More than a dozen people needed surgery in Thailand, where the flight was diverted. 50 people who were on the flight are still in Bangkok

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Medical personnel and ambulances wait for injured passengers from Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand on May 21. Photo: EPA-EFE
Bloomberg
Thirty-four Singapore Airlines Ltd. passengers remain hospitalised in Bangkok almost one week after their flight struck turbulence, underscoring the severity of the fatal incident.
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In an update late on Monday, the airline said 50 people who were on the London-Singapore service on May 21 are still in the Thai capital, including those receiving medical treatment. All the crew from Flight SQ321 have returned to Singapore.

03:52

One dead and dozens injured after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence

One dead and dozens injured after Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence

Thai authorities have said most of the injuries involved the head or spine, and more than a dozen people needed surgery. Singapore Airlines has since introduced tighter cabin restrictions during turbulence, though stopped short of compelling passengers to wear seat belts for the whole flight.

The airline said it’s cooperating fully with authorities investigating the incident, which left one man dead. The plane made an emergency landing in Bangkok.

While injuries or deaths from such events are rare, a Qatar Airways flight over Turkey on Sunday also encountered extreme turbulence before the plane landed as scheduled in Dublin. Twelve people on board were hurt.

Passengers on the flight said at least one crew member was flung into the air as the aircraft suddenly lost altitude, according to RTE News. One man recalled the plane dropping for several seconds, sending food flying around the cabin, while others described a sense of panic and fear on the plane.

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