22 May 2024 , 07:08
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The chief executive of Singapore Airlines has apologised after a British man died during severe turbulence on the carrier’s flight from Heathrow Airport.
It comes as tributes have been paid to 73-year-old Geoff Kitchen, who suffered a suspected heart attack on the flight from Heathrow to Singapore, according to a spokesman for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The spokesman added that seven other people were seriously hurt and dozens more suffered minor injuries in the incident before a diversion and emergency landing at the airport.
In a video statement posted on Facebook, Singapore Airlines chief Goh Choon Phong said he offered his “deepest condolences” to Mr Kitchen’s family. “We are deeply saddened by this incident,” he said.
“On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through. We are fully co-operating with the relevant authorities on the investigations.”
Passengers on the Singapore Airlines flight greet family members after finally arriving at the destination (AFP via Getty Images)He said some 79 passengers and six crew members are receiving medical treatment in Bangkok and a relief flight carrying the remaining passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore early on Wednesday.
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Thornbury Musical Theatre Group (TMTG) in Bristol paid tribute to Mr Kitchen in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening. The post said: “It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore Air Incident. Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group.
One of the passengers, Jerry - who chose not to share his surname - described it as the "worst day of my life" (BBC)“His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including chairman, treasurer and most recently secretary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said it was supporting the family of the passenger and was in contact with local authorities.
Singapore Airlines said the flight encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure, with the pilot declaring a medical emergency and diverting the plane to Bangkok.