BANGKOK – Three of the Malaysian passengers from Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321 are currently in the intensive care unit (ICU), but none are in critical condition.
Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel said he has been informed that although their condition is not life-threatening, the passengers have to be closely monitored in the ICU due to their head and back injuries.
“The three in the ICU are conscious and can talk while doctors are monitoring their situation.
“The other six Malaysians who are also warded due to dizziness and minor injuries are in stable condition and also under doctor’s surveillance,” he told Bernama when contacted here today.
According to him, all nine Malaysian victims being treated are aged between 31 and 65, with six at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital and three at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.
He said the embassy is committed to monitoring their conditions and is ready to provide necessary assistance.
The SIA SQ321 flight with 211 passengers and 18 crew members was travelling from London to Singapore when it encountered sudden extreme turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin at an altitude of 37,000ft, approximately 10 hours after departure.
The pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Bangkok, landing at 3.45pm local time on Tuesday.
The incident caused one death and multiple injuries. Suvarnabhumi Airport director Kittipong Kittikachorn yesterday said the only fatality in the incident was a 73-year-old British man.
Earlier, Suvarnabhumi Airport police station deputy superintendent Weerasak Muangsuwan, in a statement, said Thai police handling the deceased had sent the body to the forensic department at Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute for an autopsy.
“No one has yet come forward to claim the body, as the deceased’s wife is also injured and still receiving treatment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin expressed his sorrow over flight incident.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Trichada Sritada, said Somsak has directed the the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Opas Karkawinpong, to provide full health assistance.
“Somsak has emphasised the importance of comprehensive support for the affected individuals,” she said.
She mentioned that a total of 41 patients have been treated at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, 14 at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, and two at Bangkok Hospital. – May 23, 2024