On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 plummeted 178 feet in just 4.6 seconds after sudden extreme turbulence struck at 37,000 feet. The violent drop left one man dead and dozens seriously injured, forcing an emergency diversion to Bangkok.

One year later, passengers continue to deal with devastating consequences. Saw Rong, who fractured her back while two months pregnant, still cannot carry her baby born in November 2024. Her husband Ian Khoo sustained head injuries and now suffers numbness and vision problems. The couple, traumatised, have not flown since returning home.

In Adelaide, Kerry Jordan, 53, a former high school teacher, was left a quadriplegic. She told ST: “My injury is so severe that I require assistance 24/7 just to be able to get out of bed and face the day confined to my wheelchair.” She has received US$170,000 under the Montreal Convention but says it is inadequate given her home requires A$2m in modifications.

Other survivors, such as Amelia Lim of Malaysia, continue to struggle with ongoing pain and anxiety. Lim accepted SIA’s US$10,000 compensation offer but suffers panic attacks during flights and frequent headaches a year on.

Lawyers are preparing for complex battles. Aviation lawyer Peter Carter of Carter Capner Law said he represents 11 passengers, including those suffering PTSD without physical injuries. London-based firms Stewarts and Keystone are also representing victims. Experts believe claims will exceed Montreal Convention limits due to the scale of spinal cord and brain injuries.

Preliminary findings by Singapore’s TSIB show passengers had just eight seconds to fasten seatbelts after the warning light was activated. G-forces fluctuated rapidly between +0.44G and +1.57G before the aircraft dropped 178 feet, causing catastrophic injuries. The final TSIB report is expected later in 2025.

SIA has apologised, offered US$10,000 for minor injuries and advance US$25,000 payments for serious injuries, and continues negotiating confidential settlements with passengers and their representatives.

Full story / source:
The Straits Times – SQ321 incident: One year on, passengers recall how extreme turbulence upended their lives