Legal Experts Call For Thorough Investigation And For Those Affected To Receive Specialist Support They Require

Specialist lawyers have called for a thorough investigation after a British passenger died and dozens more were reportedly injured on board a Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence. 

Geoff Kitchen suffered a suspect heart attack after the plane, which had departed from London Heathrow for Singapore, encountered a sudden drop in altitude. 

A total of 229 passengers and crew, including 47 from the UK, were on board the flight when the incident happened over Myanmar. The Boeing plane was diverted to Bangkok in Thailand following the incident on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok issued an update saying 104 people had been treated and 58 remained in hospital. Of those 20 remained in the intensive care unit, the BBC reported.

A total of 15 Britons were in hospital, six of which were in ICU, the hospital said. 

Specialist aviation lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have spoken of their concern and said it’s vital that a comprehensive investigation is carried out. 

The legal experts represent other passengers injured during turbulence, including on Maleth Aero Flight 175. In December 2023, 11 passengers on a chartered cruise flight from Barbados to Manchester were hospitalised following severe turbulence.

Demetrius Danas is an expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell.

Expert Opinion

“We’re sorry to hear the very disturbing reports of a fatality and multiple injuries on board Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London Heathrow to Singapore.

“The events that unfolded must have been truly horrifying for the passengers and crew.

“While it would be wrong to speculate on what may have caused this incident, airlines have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their passengers. Therefore, understandably, those on board will have many questions and concerns.

“It’s now vital that the airline operator and the authorities carry out the most thorough and transparent investigation so that those affected can understand what has happened, and where appropriate, any valuable lessons can be learned.

“In the meantime, those affected need to be supported to ensure not only they receive the answers they deserve but any access to specialist support and treatment they may require.” Demetrius Danas

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said it was supporting the family of the passenger and was in contact with local authorities.

Singapore Airlines said it would co-operate fully with the relevant authorities.

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