Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen : British Man, 73, Victim of Fatal Singapore Airlines Turbulence

British Man, 73, Identified as Victim of Fatal Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight

Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, a 73-year-old British national, tragically lost his life during a flight from London to Singapore. The Singapore Airlines flight, carrying 229 people, experienced severe turbulence over Burma’s west coast, causing the aircraft to descend 7,000 feet in just six minutes.

It is believed that Mr. Kitchen suffered a heart attack due to the violent turbulence, which resulted in passengers being thrown around the cabin. Despite the efforts of the crew, he was pronounced dead upon the plane’s emergency landing in Thailand.

Further Details of the Incident

The turbulence led to 71 passengers being hospitalized with various injuries, including seven individuals who remain in critical condition. The Boeing 777-300ER had departed from Heathrow and encountered the turbulence 11 hours into its 13-hour journey, prompting a diversion to Bangkok for emergency medical assistance.

Dzafran Azmir, a 28-year-old passenger, described the chaotic scene, mentioning that the aircraft started tilting and shaking before a sudden drop sent unbelted passengers flying into the ceiling. Many passengers sustained head injuries from hitting overhead compartments, with most injuries being head-related, according to Kittipong Kittikachorn, Suvarnabhumi Airport’s general manager.

Singapore Airlines Response

Singapore Airlines confirmed the incident and expressed its deepest condolences to Mr. Kitchen’s family. The airline is working closely with Thai authorities to provide medical aid and support to those affected by the turbulence.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the aircraft, registered as 9V-SWM, descended from 38,000 feet to 31,000 feet near Meinmadaung, Burma. The flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, landed safely in Thailand.

Transport Minister’s Response

Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, expressed his sadness over the incident and offered condolences to Mr. Kitchen’s family. This event adds to a series of turbulence-related incidents in aviation, highlighting the importance of passenger safety during flights.

As investigations into the cause of the turbulence continue, passengers and crew members are urged to remain vigilant during flights to ensure their safety and well-being.