Linda Kitchen, a 74-year-old British passenger from Thornbury near Bristol, has begun legal action at the High Court against Singapore Airlines after breaking her back during a severe turbulence incident on May 21, 2024, according to the BBC. Her husband, Geoff Kitchen, 73, was fatally injured when their London Heathrow flight suddenly dropped roughly 6,000 feet over Myanmar, forcing an emergency landing in Bangkok.
High Court Legal Proceedings and Demands
The legal proceedings initiated by Ms. Kitchen seek damages from the airline to help her access specialist medical support for her fractured spine, according to the BBC. Anthe Korelidou, a specialist aviation lawyer representing Ms. Kitchen, stated that the tragedy vividly highlights the severity of the incident and noted that the family continues to have questions about whether more could have been done to prevent their injuries.
Did You Know?
Following the May 21, 2024 incident involving the Boeing 777-300ER, Singapore Airlines offered voluntary payouts of $10,000 to passengers with minor injuries and $25,000 to those severely injured for immediate medical expenses, pending larger settlements. At least seven cases involving life-altering spinal and brain injuries have rejected these offers in favor of court action in the UK.
Details of the Flight Plunge Over Myanmar
The couple was starting a six-week holiday to Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia when the flight encountered sudden, extreme turbulence approximately 10 hours into the journey, according to Ms. Kitchen’s account to the BBC. She recalled that the aircraft felt like it was dropping out of the sky, sending personal items crashing to the floor. As the plane plummeted, Mr. Kitchen fell on top of his wife, pinning her into the armrest before other passengers and a doctor on board intervened to perform CPR.
Hospitalization and Medical Aftermath
While Mr. Kitchen remained on the aircraft, Ms. Kitchen was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok for emergency treatment, remaining unaware of her husband’s death for two days, according to reporting by the BBC. Mr. Kitchen reportedly died of a heart attack following the sudden altitude loss. A total of 79 passengers and crew members sustained injuries during the plunge, requiring hospitalization and emergency care upon landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Singapore Airlines turbulence incident happen?
The incident occurred on May 21, 2024, involving a flight from London Heathrow to Singapore that diverted to Bangkok.
What legal action is Linda Kitchen taking?
Linda Kitchen has begun legal action at the High Court seeking damages from Singapore Airlines to access specialist support for her broken back.
How many people were injured during the flight?
A total of 79 passengers and crew members sustained injuries, ranging from minor bumps to severe spinal fractures and brain trauma.
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