Passengers are initiating legal action against Singapore Airlines after a harrowing incident in May 2024 where flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence, resulting in the tragic death of a 73-year-old British grandfather, Geoff Kitchen, and injuries to over 100 individuals.

Flight SQ321 Incident Details

The incident occurred on a Singapore-bound Boeing 777-300ER approximately 11 hours into its 13-hour flight over Myanmar. The aircraft plummeted around 180 feet during the turbulence, causing significant trauma to those on board.

Injuries and Fatalities

Mr. Kitchen is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack during the sudden descent. A total of 104 passengers required hospitalization, with 20 needing intensive care or surgical intervention. Bradley Richards, Benjamin Read, and Alison Read are pursuing claims for personal injury compensation.

Passenger Accounts

Bradley Richards, a 31-year-old telecoms engineer, described a chaotic scene after the turbulence. He recalled waking up covered in blood, with passengers screaming and running in panic. Richards sustained multiple fractures to his spine and neck, a spinal epidural hematoma, and a severe head laceration requiring 20 stitches.

He fears the injuries may force him to change careers and required assistance getting into a wheelchair upon the emergency landing in Bangkok. He also used a pillow to reduce blood flow following the incident.

Legal Action and Compensation

A claim has been filed at the High Court, with Keystone Law representing the three claimants. The family of Mr. Kitchen, who was on a 'trip of a lifetime' with his wife, are not currently involved in the legal proceedings.

Singapore Airlines has offered $10,000 in compensation to those with minor injuries and an advance payment of $25,000 to those with serious, long-term injuries, alongside a full fare refund for all passengers on board. The airline has yet to respond to the formal claim.

Investigation Findings

Preliminary investigations by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) revealed the plane dropped 178 feet in just four seconds due to the turbulence. The investigation indicates a rapid change in G-force, causing unbelted passengers and crew to become airborne.

The vertical acceleration shifted from negative 1.5G to positive 1.5G within 4.6 seconds, contributing to the injuries sustained.