A Kiwi passenger on the Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence overnight was hospitalised after being thrown from his seat.
The man, who was travelling with his wife, received 31 stitches, his family told 1News.
Pictures of the man, sent to his family in New Zealand, show the back of his ear sliced apart and bruising on his face. Another photo shows a large dent in the cabin and some blood where the man’s head hit.
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The man and his wife were travelling to Singapore and told their family in messages there was “violent shaking for 30 seconds and then a massive drop”.
It was calm immediately before the turbulence and the man had been walking in the cabin and forgot to put his seatbelt back on. His wife messaged family saying “it was terrifying”.
One passenger said anyone not wearing a seatbelt “launched into the ceiling”.
The man was discharged from hospital after getting the stitches and an X-ray which showed his neck was strained. The couple are still in Bangkok, where the plane landed.
In a statement released shortly after landing, the airline apologised for the “trauma” experienced by those onboard.
The Boeing 777-300ER plane diverted to the Thai capital with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board after the flight experienced “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar.
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A British man also died and authorities said dozens of passengers were injured, some severely.
An airport official said the 73-year-old man may have had a heart attack, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Singapore Airlines confirmed there were 23 New Zealanders on the flight. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told 1News this morning: “We are aware of reports New Zealanders were involved in the Singapore Airlines incident. We are seeking further information but have not received any requests for consular assistance.”
Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital said two New Zealanders were among the 71 people treated there.