Singapore Airlines tightens security measures after turbulence incident

 

Singapore Airlines announced on Friday it would halt meal services and require all cabin crew to be on standby during turbulence following the recent incident where one person died and several were injured on a flight from London.

The airline said it is taking a "more cautious approach to managing in-flight turbulence" after a Singapore-bound Boeing 777 experienced severe turbulence over the Andaman Sea on Tuesday, causing passengers and objects to be thrown around the cabin. given.

The flight, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, rapidly descended 6,000 feet (about 1,800 meters) in three minutes and was then diverted to Thailand. The disturbance reportedly occurred during meal service when several passengers were not wearing their seat belts. 1 person died and forty-six passengers and two crew members, were hospitalized as of Friday.

Passengers described the plane shaking violently, luggage flying loose, and injured people on the floor.

Singapore Airlines said other safety measures during inclement weather include securing loose items in the cabin and galley, advising passengers to return to their seats and fasten seat belts, and monitoring people who may need assistance. Like in the toilet.

According to the Singapore Straits Times, public records show that six other Singapore Airlines flights over the past 20 years have experienced turbulence that resulted in some injuries, but Tuesday's incident was the first fatality.

The cause of Tuesday's severe turbulence is unclear, but is believed to be clear air turbulence, which can occur without warning. This type of turbulence is the most dangerous and often occurs in clear air during thunderstorms, where differences in temperature and pressure create powerful air currents.

Samithavej Srinakarin Hospital, where most of the 104 injured were treated, reported that 48 people still hospitalized included people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and damage to bones or internal organs.

Twenty people are in intensive care, but none are in danger. These include six Britons, six Malaysians, three Australians, two Singaporeans and one each from Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Singapore Airlines has apologized for this incident. CEO Goh Choon Fong has promised full cooperation in the investigation and has visited