A flight attendant was burned by boiling water, and an elderly woman didn't know where she was after massive turbulence on a Singapore flight, passenger says

23.05.2024 - 11:19 / insider.com / Sky News

Singapore Airlines cabin crew were burned by boiling water when the plane encountered severe turbulence, a passenger told Sky News.

Flight SQ321 was flying from London to Singapore on Tuesday when it had to divert to Bangkok. A 73-year-old British man died, and 18 people were hospitalized due to the turbulence.

Josh Silverstone, a passenger on the flight, was interviewed by Sky News from his hospital bed on Wednesday.

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He said there was a "sudden" seatbelt alert, and "as soon as that happened, there was a huge bang."

"I remember kind of waking up on the floor, and listening to people crying," he added. "I'm looking around, you're seeing blood, you're seeing the ceilings falling through. It was pretty alarming."

Silverstone described seeing an elderly woman who couldn't remember her name or why she was on the Boeing 777 after it was struck by turbulence.

"There was a cabin crew member with herself, who had her own burns all on her arm because of the boiling water falling, because they were about to do breakfast," he added.

Silverstone, from London, told Sky News he hit his head during the ordeal, leaving him with bruising and a chipped front tooth. He added that he switched seats with someone so a family could sit together as the plane made an emergency landing.

Silverstone wasn't sure whether he was wearing his seatbelt or if it wasn't on tight enough.

On Wednesday, the airline said 74 passengers and six crew members remained in Bangkok. "This includes those receiving medical care, as well as their family members and loved ones who were on the flight," it added.

Peter Seah, the airline's chairman, said in a statement: "On behalf of the Singapore Airlines Board, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of our passenger who passed away."

"I assure all passengers and crew members who were on board the aircraft that we are committed to supporting them during this difficult time," he added.