Singapore Airlines tightens seat belt rules for cabin crew after British passenger dies in extreme turbulence | Birmingham Live

Singapore Airlines has tightened its seat belt policies following the tragic death of a British passenger and injuries to others during severe turbulence. The carrier is now requiring all cabin crew to fasten their seat belts when flying through rough areas and will stop meal services in such conditions.

The airline said it would take a “more cautious approach to managing in-flight turbulence” after a Singapore-bound Boeing 777 encountered violent turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin on Tuesday, causing chaos inside the aircraft.

Their statement clarified: “In addition to the suspension of hot beverage service when the seat belt indicator is on, meal service will also be suspended. Crew members will also return to their seats and fasten their seat belts when the seat belt indicator is on. .”

READ NEXT: Hero mum ‘punched’ as she protected pensioners during bus rampage

During the incident, the plane, which was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, plunged 6,000 feet in about three minutes, leading to an emergency landing in Thailand. Turbulence is believed to have broken out during meal service and many passengers were not wearing seat belts.

Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, 73, of Thornbury, Gloucestershire, died of what is suspected to be a heart attack. As of Friday, 46 passengers and two crew members were still receiving medical treatment, the Mirror reports.

Passengers recounted the “sheer terror” they experienced as the aircraft shook violently, with objects flying around and injured people scattered on the plane’s floor. Singapore Airlines highlighted additional safety protocols during inclement weather, such as securing loose items and advising passengers to fasten their seat belts, while ensuring crew members are prepared to assist those in need and maintain safety cabin.

“Pilots and cabin crew are aware of the dangers associated with turbulence. They are also trained to assist customers and ensure cabin safety throughout the flight. Singapore Airlines will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of the utmost importance,” the airline said.

Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat told local reporters that Bangkok investigators had obtained crucial data from the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

“They are now going through the data from these two recorders to be able to ascertain what happened at those times,” Chee told the media.

Get more breaking news by joining BirminghamLive WhatsApp community

The cause of Tuesday’s severe turbulence remains a mystery, although it is suspected to have been clear air turbulence – the most dangerous type that often strikes without any visible warning in the sky. This can happen in thin cirrus clouds or even clear air near thunderstorms, as temperature and pressure differences generate strong, fast-moving air currents.

Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, which treated most of the 104 people injured in the incident, said the 48 people still receiving treatment include those with injuries to the spine or spinal cord, injuries to the skull or brain, and injuries to bones or internal organs .

Twenty passengers are still in intensive care, but the hospital said none were in a life-threatening condition. They include six Britons, six Malaysians, three Australians, two Singaporeans and one each from Hong Kong, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Singapore Airlines expressed its deep regret for the incident. Its CEO Goh Choon Phong pledged full cooperation in the investigation and visited the hospitalized victims to extend his support.