One dead as London-Singapore flight hit by turbulence

Singapore Airlines has confirmed that one person has died after a flight was hit by severe turbulence.

The London to Singapore flight was diverted to Bangkok, and landed there at 3.45pm local time on May 21, having flown with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.

The plane in question was a Boeing 777-300ER jet.

In a statement about the incident, Singapore Airlines said: "Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, operating from London Heathrow to Singapore on 20 May, encountered severe turbulence en-route.

It added: "We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board."

The statement went on to say: "We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed."

Social media is now starting to show images of emergency services at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Singapore Airlines said it offered its "condolences to the family of the deceased.

“Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.

“We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed.”

At this stage, it isn't known how the person onboard died.

It's a reminder that while it can be tempting to think of turbulence as something that comes with the territory of flying, it can get truly horrific when at its worst.

There are plenty of examples of stories from flight attendants and pilots who have admitted that there are occasions when they fear for their lives as a result of just how severe the turbulence can get, even if it isn't the case in the vast majority of flights.

Flight trackers suggest that the plane dropped some 6,000 feet during its flight, which may have been due to the turbulence, although this hasn't yet been officially confirmed by the airline.

Social media users are sharing their shock already, with one person writing: "Wow, Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 dropped about 6,000 feet due to an air pocket. One person dead. Must have been incredibly scary".