Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, enroute from London to Singapore, turned into a harrowing ordeal for its passengers and crew. The Boeing 777-300ER encountered severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean, resulting in one passenger’s tragic death and injuries to dozens of others. Here’s what we know:

Passengers described scenes of “absolute terror” as the plane suddenly dropped, leaving them battered and bruised. Objects flew through the air, and those not wearing seatbelts were launched into the ceiling. Some suffered gashes and concussions, while others hit the overhead panels with force.

Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old British man, lost his life during the turbulence. Reports suggest he suffered a heart attack when the plane was hit. Kitchen and his wife were on their way to Singapore for a six-week holiday. His passing has left a somber mark on the flight’s passengers and crew.

SQ321 diverted to Bangkok, where it made an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The relief flight later carried most of the passengers to Singapore, but 71 remained hospitalized in Bangkok. The cabin interior bore the scars of the turbulence, with food trays, water bottles, and kettles strewn across the floor.

Andrew Davies, a British passenger, recalled the sudden drop and being covered in coffee. Another traveler, Jerry, described hitting the ceiling, while his son was thrown to the floor two rows behind. Allison Barker’s son, Josh, messaged her during the chaos, expressing his fear. Fortunately, Josh sustained minor injuries, but the emotional impact remains.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong issued a heartfelt apology, emphasizing the traumatic experience faced by everyone on board. The airline pledged full cooperation with investigations and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau will conduct a thorough inquiry.

Accidents involving Singapore Airlines are rare, with the carrier consistently ranking among the world’s safest. The last fatal incident occurred in 2000 when a Boeing 747 crashed during takeoff from the wrong runway in Taiwan.

As aviation authorities delve into the turbulence’s cause, passengers and crew grapple with the aftermath. SQ321 serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, even for a reputable airline like Singapore Airlines. Our thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time.