22-5-2024 (BANGKOK) Nearly 60 individuals, including five Singaporeans, are still receiving medical treatment in three Bangkok hospitals after a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight encountered severe turbulence en route from London to Singapore, according to a statement from Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital on Wednesday (May 22).
Twenty of the patients are being cared for in intensive care units (ICUs) at two hospitals, while the remaining 38 are receiving in-patient treatment. Among the five Singaporeans hospitalised, two are in ICU.
The turbulence incident, which occurred on Tuesday, necessitated an emergency landing in Bangkok. The affected passengers have been distributed across three hospitals: 41 at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, 15 at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, and two at Bangkok Hospital.
As of 1 pm on Wednesday, 27 patients had been discharged. Singapore Airlines confirmed that five passengers from flight SQ321 would return to Singapore on Wednesday, with one crew member scheduled to fly back on Thursday. However, 74 passengers and six crew members remain in Bangkok, including the families and loved ones of those receiving medical care.
At Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, nine patients underwent surgery on Tuesday, with five more scheduled for procedures on Wednesday. This hospital, part of a private healthcare group with seven facilities in Thailand, is located about 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and features 400 beds, offering a wide range of medical services to both Thai and foreign nationals.
Additionally, six Malaysians are currently in ICU across the hospitals. At Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, one Malaysian is in ICU and two are in the in-patient department. At Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, five Malaysians are in ICU and one is receiving in-patient care. The Malaysian embassy, which provided these details, noted that the patients range in age from 31 to 65 and are being treated for head, neck, and spinal injuries. None are in life-threatening conditions, although one elderly female passenger remains unconscious. A crew member among the Malaysians has undergone two surgeries, and his family is travelling to Bangkok to be with him.
Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital’s proximity to Suvarnabhumi International Airport ensures that patients can be transferred quickly, according to the hospital’s website. Established in 1979, the hospital is known for its comprehensive medical services and modern facilities.
