In response to a flight from London to Singapore encountering severe turbulence last month, Singapore Airlines has stepped forward to offer compensation to affected passengers.
During the Boeing 777 Singapore Airlines flight on 21 May, turbulence struck causing the plane to plummet 54m in just four seconds, resulting in the unfortunate death of one individual and injuries to numerous passengers and crew members.
Witnesses recounted the terrifying experience of being hurled towards the ceiling, with over 100 individuals requiring medical attention, including some undergoing significant spinal surgeries.
In an announcement on social media, the airline detailed the compensation packages being extended to passengers onboard the ill-fated flight.
Pic: Reuters
An apology was reiterated for the distressing incident, with passengers sustaining minor injuries being offered $10,000 (£7,800).
Individuals with severe injuries necessitating prolonged medical care were provided an “advance payment” of $25,000 (£19,600).
The company clarified that these amounts constitute part of the final compensation package for the affected passengers.
Furthermore, it was stated, “For those who sustained more severe injuries during the ordeal, we have extended an invitation to discuss a compensation proposal tailored to their specific circumstances once they feel prepared to do so.”
Passenger Recounts Terrifying Experience on Singapore Airlines Flight
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An incident on a Singapore Airlines flight resulted in the airline compensating each passenger with approximately £500, covering medical costs, and facilitating travel arrangements for family members to meet them in Bangkok following an emergency landing.
The turbulence occurred over the Andaman Sea while the aircraft was carrying 211 passengers.
A tragic event unfolded as Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old from Gloucestershire, UK, passed away from a suspected heart attack despite attempts by the flight crew to resuscitate him for 20 minutes.
Geoff Kitchen
The detritus of the flight was scattered across the plane
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Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital reported providing medical assistance to 104 individuals after the flight diversion to Thailand, with six Britons requiring intensive care.
A passenger, Josh Silverstone, recounted the harrowing experience aboard the flight, mentioning a sudden alert for seatbelts followed by a jolting impact.
Emergency Landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Staff member carry people on stretchers after the emergency landing. Pic: Reuters
Inside the Singapore Airlines Emergency Landing Incident
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Passenger Recounts Terrifying Experience
“I recall awakening on the floor and only hearing people sobbing while I glanced around and witnessed blood and the ceiling collapsing,” said one passenger.
A witness shared that they noticed an elderly woman in front of them who was immobile and unable to recollect her identity or reason for being on the flight. Meanwhile, cabin crew members, despite their own injuries, were found on the floor with passengers attending to their well-being.
The cause of the turbulence is still uncertain, however, data from Flightradar24 indicated that “the aircraft experienced a sudden change in vertical velocity, indicating a sudden turbulence occurrence.”
