Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (2024)

The 73-year-old British man who died from a suspected heart attack after "sudden extreme turbulence" on a London-Singapore flight has been named as Geoff Kitchen.

Dozens more were injured in the incident, with passengers describing people being "launched into the ceiling" and overhead lockers.

Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from Heathrow was forced to make an emergency landing at Bangkok Airport in Thailand.

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Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (1) 1:02

Singapore Airlines has apologised and said they are "fully cooperating with the relevant authorities on the investigations".

Mr Kitchen, from Thornbury near Bristol, was on a six-week holiday with his wife to Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

His wife is believed to be in hospital following the incident.

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In a post on Facebook, Thornbury Musical Theatre Group paid tribute to Mr Kitchen: "It is with a heavy heart that we learn of the devastating news of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Geoff Kitchen in the recent Singapore air incident.

"Geoff was always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity and always did what was right for the group.

"His commitment to TMTG was unquestionable and he has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years, holding various offices within the group, including chairman, treasurer and most recently secretary.

Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (2)

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and the family at this difficult time, and we ask that you respect their privacy."

Lizzie Adkin, who was part of the theatre group with Mr Kitchen described him as "one of the best human beings you could know".

She told Sky News he played various roles on stage but her favourite was one of the ugly sisters in the pantomime Cinderella.

Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (3)

'Seatbelts spared some from injury'

Kittipong Kittikachorn, head of Bangkok airport, said earlier that the 73-year-old died from a probable cardiac arrest.

Forty-seven Britons were among the 211 passengers and 18 crew onboard the plane, a Boeing 777-300ER.

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Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (4) 6:42

A spokesperson for Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital said: "Seventy-one people needed treatment and six of them had critical injuries."

However, Singapore Airlines seemed to contradict those numbers and said only 30 people had been taken to hospital.

Read more:
Images show damage inside plane
Turbulence is getting worse - here's why

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Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (5) 0:58

Speaking to Sky News, passengers said seatbelts spared some from injury, while others described flight attendants as having cuts to their heads.

Australian Teandra Tukhunen, who had her left arm in a sling in Bangkok's Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, said she was asleep and "woken up because I was thrown to the roof and then to the floor".

Ms Tukhunen, 30, said when the seatbelt sign came on "pretty much immediately, straight after that I was flung to the roof, before I had time to put my seatbelt on unfortunately".

"It was just so quick, over in a couple of seconds and then you're just shocked. Everyone's pretty freaked out."

Turbulence can hit without warning

Jo Robinson

Weather producer

@SkyJoRobinson

There are a few forms of turbulence – where there's a sudden change in airflow and wind speed.

Turbulence can often be associated with storm clouds, which are usually well forecast and monitored, allowing planes to fly around them.

Clear-Air Turbulence (CAT) is much more dangerous as there are no visual signs, such as clouds.

This invisible vertical air movement usually occurs at and above 15,000ft and is mostly linked to the jet stream.

There are clues on where CAT may occur, but generally it can't be detected ahead of time, which means flight crews can be caught unaware with no time to warn passengers and put seat belt signs on.

It's been understood for some time that climate change is increasing turbulence during flights, and the trend is set to worsen according to reports.

Passenger Dzafran Azmir said: "Some people hit their heads on the baggage cabins overhead and dented it, they hit the places where lights and masks are and broke straight through it."

Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (6)

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Singapore Airlines also said the pilot declared a medical emergency and landed in Bangkok after "sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet about 10 hours after departure".

Its CEO said in a statement on Tuesday morning they were "very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through" and their priority would be to give "all possible assistance" to passengers and crew.

Goh Choon Phong added a team had been "swiftly" dispatched to Bangkok to help with ground operations and a relief flight with 143 passengers and crew had landed in Singapore at 5.05am local time on Tuesday.

A total of 79 passengers and crew remained in Bangkok, he added.

In a statement, the UK Foreign Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Bangkok and are in contact with the local authorities."

Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Singapore Airlines turbulence: British man who died on flight named as Geoff Kitchen? ›

The 73-year-old British man who died from a suspected heart attack after "sudden extreme turbulence" on a London-Singapore flight has been named as Geoff Kitchen. Dozens more were injured in the incident, with passengers describing people being "launched into the ceiling" and overhead lockers.

Who is Geoffrey Kitchen? ›

The British passenger who died after a flight to Singapore was hit by severe turbulence has been named as a 73-year-old grandfather, Geoffrey Kitchen. Kitchen, a retired insurance professional turned amateur dramatics performer, had travelled to Singapore on Monday on the 10pm flight from Heathrow.

Who died on the Singapore Airlines? ›

A British man who died on board a Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence has been described as a "remarkable man" by a friend. Geoff Kitchen suffered a suspected heart attack after the plane encountered a sudden drop in altitude - leading to what passengers have called scenes of "absolute terror".

Why Singapore Airlines? ›

Naturally, Singapore Airlines prides itself on the attentiveness and high service levels offered by all its staff to every single traveller, no matter their class of travel. This is one of Singapore's key cultural strengths and a matter of huge pride.

Is sq Singapore Airlines? ›

Singapore Airlines (abbreviation: SIA or SQ) is the flag carrier of Singapore with its hub located at Changi Airport.

Is Jeff from The Kitchen married? ›

Do Jeff and Geoffrey on The Kitchen get along? ›

Jeff and Geoffrey: The Ultimate Bromance. There's no denying it: Jeff and GZ have a one-of-a-kind friendship.

How many accidents has Singapore Airlines had? ›

The crash killed 83 of the 179 people on board. Singapore Airlines has had seven accidents according to records by the Aviation Safety Network.

How far did Singapore Airlines' plane drop? ›

“The rapid changes in G over the 4.6 seconds duration resulted in an altitude drop of 178ft (54m), from 37,362ft to 37,184ft. This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers.” Shaken passengers described scenes of chaos in the moments after the incident.

What happens when a plane hits an air pocket? ›

An air pocket, also known as clear-air turbulence (CAT), is an area of rapidly changing air pressure that can cause sudden and violent movements of an aircraft. They are often invisible to the naked eye, and can occur at any altitude, but are most common in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere.

What is the best airline in the world? ›

Singapore Airlines

Why is Qatar Airways better than Singapore Airlines? ›

Qatar Airways might be preferable for those seeking the ultimate privacy and comfort, especially in Business Class with its Qsuite option. Singapore Airlines, with its legendary service and luxurious cabins, might appeal more to those who prioritize in-flight service and comfort above all else.

What is Singapore Airlines reputation? ›

Singapore Airlines is the world's most awarded airline, and we're both proud and humbled that customers and industry alike have recognised our commitment to service excellence. Learn more about the awards we have won through the years.

Who is Singapore Airlines owned by? ›

This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 20 March 2024. Singapore Airlines is majority-owned by Singapore government investment and holding company Temasek Holdings which holds 56% of voting stock.

Which seat is best for economy in Singapore Airlines? ›

For additional space to stretch out your legs, choose our Extra Legroom seats. It's a comfortable spot to be in. If you prefer to be among the first in Economy Class to disembark the plane, you can choose our Forward Zone Seats, located closer to the doors.

Where do Singapore Airlines fly to in the USA? ›

List
CountryCityAirport
United StatesNewarkNewark Liberty International Airport
New York CityJohn F. Kennedy International Airport
San FranciscoSan Francisco International Airport
SeattleSeattle–Tacoma International Airport
130 more rows

Who is Geoffrey Zakarian married to? ›

Zakarian married Margaret Anne Williams, a marketing executive, in 2005. They have three children.

How much is Jeff on The Kitchen worth? ›

As of this writing, Famous Chefs reports that Jeff has earned a net worth of $2.3 million.

Did Jeff from The Kitchen go to culinary school? ›

After a few years hustling in Hollywood, he upped the ante and enrolled in culinary school to refine his cooking skills. Jeff graduated Valedictorian, packed up his Honda and returned to Chicago where he was a culinary instructor, a successful private corporate chef, and local comedic performer.

Is Jeff from The Kitchen a trained chef? ›

After a few years in Hollywood, he upped the ante and enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu culinary program to refine his cooking skills.

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