Singapore Airlines turbulence killed British passenger, inquest concludes
An inquest found severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight. It triggered the fatal heart attack of British passenger Geoff Kitchen.
Geoff Kitchen was 73 years old. He was flying from London to Singapore on May 21, 2024.
The plane hit severe turbulence near Myanmar. Kitchen was thrown from his seat.
He landed on a nearby passenger. Kitchen had a history of heart disease.
The turbulence caused cardiac arrest. Crew members moved Kitchen to the front.
They gave him CPR. He was pronounced dead after the plane diverted to Bangkok.
The coroner found that turbulence triggered his fatal heart attack. His wife Linda was also seriously hurt.
She suffered spinal fractures and head injuries. The incident injured 56 people seriously.
It also injured 23 others. The coroner said Kitchen's heart condition was a factor.
But the turbulence itself caused the fatal arrest.
- Geoff Kitchen, 73 years old
- Passenger and age
- May 21, 2024, London Heathrow to Singapore
- Flight date and route
- Near south-western Myanmar at 37,000 feet
- Turbulence location
Why it mattersThe inquest confirms something important. Severe turbulence can be fatal for passengers with heart conditions. This raises serious questions about airline safety. It also raises questions about protecting passengers during unexpected incidents.
AustraliaAustralians regularly fly Singapore Airlines on routes to Asia and Europe; the inquest outcome affects how passengers understand turbulence risk and airline safety responsibilities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
