Singapore Airlines sued by widow after fatal turbulence incident

Linda Kitchen, a 74-year-old British woman, has initiated legal proceedings in the High Court against Singapore Airlines following a severe turbulence incident in May 2024. The legal action seeks damages for spinal fractures she sustained and includes a claim on behalf of her late husband’s estate.

The incident occurred on flight SQ321, a Boeing 777-300ER traveling from London Heathrow to Singapore. While over Myanmar, the aircraft experienced extreme turbulence and plummeted approximately 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) in a matter of seconds. The sudden descent caused widespread injuries among the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board.

During the descent, Geoff Kitchen, 73, was fatally injured and reportedly suffered a heart attack. Despite attempts at resuscitation by a doctor on board, he passed away. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand. Mrs. Kitchen described the event as terrifying, noting that the sudden drop caused her husband to fall onto her, pinning her against the armrest and causing her spinal injuries.