Four Irish passengers were on board a flight on which a 73-year-old man died and seven others were critically injured when the craft hit air turbulence, it has been confirmed.
The Singapore Airlines flight had been on its way from London Heathrow to Singapore when it encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” that caused the craft to plummet 6,000 feet on Tuesday morning.
Passengers and crew not wearing seatbelts at the time were hurled about the cabin before the pilot regained control of the Boeing craft and diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing.
It was confirmed that one British man, aged 73, died, with authorities in Bangkok saying the death was “likely” the result of a heart attack.
In total, 53 were injured, seven critically, during the incident, and reports described how passengers were “launched immediately into the ceiling” when the plane encountered the turbulence.
Out of 211 passengers, four were Irish, while 47 were British.
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said it “offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased”.
“We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight,” they added.
“We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time.”
