Dzafram Azmir : “Singapore Airlines Turbulence Chaos: Passenger Shocked by Extreme Turbulence”

London — A passenger who was aboard the Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 during the turbulent incident on Tuesday, which tragically resulted in one passenger’s death and left numerous others injured, has shared harrowing details of the terrifying experience. Dzafram Azmir, a 28-year-old student from Malaysia, was en route from London to Singapore when the Boeing 777 encountered what the airline described as “extreme turbulence,” causing the aircraft to plummet approximately 6,000 feet in just five minutes.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Azmir expressed disbelief at the level of destruction and harm caused by the turbulence, stating, “I’ve been flying all my life, but I never imagined turbulence could cause such devastation and inflict such pain on people.” He described the turbulence as sudden and unexpected, occurring around the time when passengers were being served their meals.

“There was chaos, cries of panic, and sounds of gasping for breath,” Azmir recounted. “Those who were not securely fastened in their seats were violently thrown upwards, hitting the ceiling of the cabin before being forcefully slammed back down onto their seats or the floor.”

The airline released a statement indicating that the turbulence occurred over the Indian Ocean at an altitude of 37,000 feet, approximately 10 hours into the flight. Subsequently, the pilot declared a medical emergency, prompting the diversion of the aircraft to Bangkok.

An official at the Bangkok airport disclosed that the deceased individual, a 73-year-old British passenger, likely suffered a fatal heart attack during the turbulence. The airline extended condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and issued an apology for the distressing experience endured by both passengers and crew members.

Azmir expressed gratitude for escaping unscathed, attributing his safety to wearing his seatbelt at the time of the incident. While passengers mentioned that the seatbelt sign was illuminated just before the turbulence struck, Azmir noted the absence of a warning, believing it contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained.

Although Azmir acknowledged that his own experience paled in comparison to the more tragic outcomes suffered by fellow passengers, he admitted that the incident had instilled a fear of turbulence within him.

On an update, a special flight transporting 143 passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore early Wednesday morning, as confirmed by the airline. Thai authorities reported that at least 30 individuals were injured during the turbulent flight, with some in critical condition.

According to Reuters, 20 passengers are currently receiving intensive care, nine have undergone surgical procedures, and five await surgery at Bangkok’s Samitivej Hospital.