SINGAPORE: All crew members on board the turbulence-hit Flight SQ321 have returned to Singapore, said Singapore Airlines (SIA).
In its latest update on Tuesday (May 27), the national carrier said that as at 4.30pm, 52 passengers who were on board SQ321 were still in Bangkok, including 34 in hospital.
A day earlier, the airline said the number of people receiving treatment in Bangkok hospitals stood at 40 passengers and one crew member.
“Singapore Airlines has been in contact with the passengers and crew members who were on board SQ321. Where requested, we have facilitated travel to Bangkok for their families and loved ones,” said the airline, adding that it is cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation into the incident.
“The well-being of our passengers and staff is our utmost priority,” it said.
SQ321, which was heading to Singapore from London, experienced sudden extreme turbulence on May 21 over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar.
One passenger, 73-year-old Briton Geoffrey Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack, while dozens were injured.
The pilot diverted the Boeing 777-300ER carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after declaring a medical emergency, and then made an emergency landing at 3.45pm (4.45pm Singapore time).
The plane returned to Singapore on May 26 after being cleared for departure from Bangkok.
Family members and loved ones seeking information may call SIA’s hotlines on +65-6542-3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), or 080-0066-8194 (United Kingdom). - The Straits Times/ANN
