Explainer | What is air turbulence and how can you protect yourself? Here’s what to know after fatal Singapore Airlines plane incident
- Elderly passenger died after likely suffering heart attack during turbulence, while seven are in critical condition, although no Hongkongers were on board
- The Post talks to experts about different types of turbulence, how often flights are seriously affected and how passengers can protect themselves from harm
At least one person died and another 30 were injured on Tuesday when a Singapore Airlines flight travelling from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence.
A 73-year-old British man was confirmed as the fatality, likely from a heart attack, according to officials at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where the aircraft made an emergency landing.
Thirty people were injured, of whom seven are in a critical condition. The aircraft was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.
The plane took off from London Heathrow Airport at 10.38pm local time on Monday, and was diverted to the Bangkok airport where it landed at about 3.45pm on Tuesday.
Singapore’s Transport Ministry is opening an investigation into the incident and said it would send investigators to Bangkok.
Here, the Post breaks down what air turbulence is and what passengers should do to stay safe.