20 Remain in ICU After Severe Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight

Twenty passengers are still in intensive care following a severe turbulence event on a Singapore Airlines flight on Monday. The turbulence led to injuries requiring immediate medical attention, with spinal and brain injuries being the most critical cases needing surgery.

As of Thursday, 20 passengers remain in the ICU at Bangkok's Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital. The hospital had initially received over 100 passengers and crew members for treatment after the flight diverted to Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). The number of hospitalized individuals has since decreased to 46 passengers and two crew members.

Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, Director of Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, confirmed the current ICU cases, emphasizing the need for close attention to those with severe injuries. While none of the injuries are life-threatening, 22 passengers have sustained spinal cord damage, and six have brain and skull injuries. The injured include six British, six Malaysian, three Australian, two Singaporean, and one passenger each from Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

During the turbulence, many passengers not wearing seatbelts were violently thrown around the cabin, with some impacting the ceiling with enough force to damage the overhead panels. The youngest patient, a two-year-old, suffered a concussion, while the oldest, at 83, also sustained injuries. By Thursday, 17 patients had undergone successful surgeries.

Singapore Airlines has been actively updating its social media channels with the latest information. The airline's CEO, Mr. Goh Choon Phong, traveled to Bangkok to meet with the injured passengers and their families. He assured that the airline is committed to supporting them through this difficult time.

A relief flight carrying 143 passengers and crew members reached Singapore on Wednesday morning, and more passengers have since flown to Singapore. Currently, 65 passengers and two crew members remain in Bangkok as they recover from their injuries.

Mr. Goh Choon Phong stated, "The well-being of our passengers and crew members remains our priority. I have given them my personal assurance that we will take care of them during this difficult time. Our staff volunteers are here to provide each passenger with updates and the necessary assistance. We have also facilitated the travel of their family members and loved ones to Bangkok and ensured that they are taken care of too."