LONDON and HONG KONG — A Singapore Airlines flight encountered "severe" turbulence, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries, according to a social media post by the airline.

The Boeing 777-300ER, with 221 passengers and 18 crew members on board, departed from London's Heathrow Airport on Monday. The flight, SQ 321, experienced turbulence approximately 90 minutes before reaching its destination in Singapore, leading to a diversion to Bangkok, the airline reported.

Incident Details

The turbulence hit while the aircraft was flying over Thai airspace, specifically over the Andaman Sea. The sudden and severe turbulence caused the aircraft to tilt sharply and then drop dramatically. Passengers and crew members who were not wearing seatbelts were thrown into the ceiling, causing injuries.

Fatality and Injuries

A 73-year-old British man died as a result of the turbulence, according to Kittipong Kittikachorn, general manager of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Six passengers were critically injured, suffering from severe head injuries, fractures, and other trauma. Dozens more sustained minor to moderate injuries, including cuts, bruises, and concussions.

Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old student on the flight, recounted the terrifying experience to ABC News: "Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking so I started bracing for what was happening, and very suddenly there was a very dramatic drop so everyone seated and not wearing a seatbelt was launched immediately into the ceiling. Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it; they hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it."

Response and Diversion

The crew immediately initiated emergency protocols. The captain requested an emergency landing, and the flight was diverted to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The aircraft landed safely in Bangkok at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time.

Upon landing, emergency medical teams boarded the aircraft to provide first aid and transport critically injured passengers to local hospitals. The deceased passenger was also removed from the plane, and authorities contacted his family.

Statements and Reactions

Singapore Airlines confirmed the fatality and extended condolences to the family. "Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased," the airline said in a statement on Tuesday. "Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft."

Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, also issued a statement: "We are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding flight SQ321 and stand ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one, and our thoughts are with the passengers and crew."

Passenger Demographics

The majority of the passengers on the flight were from Australia (56), followed by the U.K. (47). Four passengers were Americans, and two of them were among the injured. Other passengers included nationals from various countries traveling to Singapore.

**Investigations and Safety Measures**

The incident has prompted an investigation by both Singapore Airlines and aviation authorities to determine the cause of the turbulence and assess whether any safety protocols were breached. Initial reports suggest that the turbulence was unexpected and severe, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such incidents.

Aviation experts emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights, even when the seatbelt sign is turned off, as turbulence can occur without warning. This incident underscores the critical need for passengers to heed safety instructions and for airlines to ensure rigorous adherence to safety protocols.

Historical Context

Severe turbulence incidents, while relatively rare, can have serious consequences. This incident has drawn comparisons to past turbulence-related accidents and has sparked discussions about the measures that airlines and aviation authorities can implement to enhance passenger safety.

The tragic death and the high number of injuries on flight SQ 321 serve as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of air travel and the importance of continual improvements in safety standards and emergency response protocols. Singapore Airlines, along with international aviation bodies, will likely review and update their guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future.