Flight Attendants' Union President Hints Climate Change To Blame For Turbulence That Killed Singapore Air Passenger
One passenger died from a heart attack and more than 30 injured on Tuesday due to "extreme turbulence."
By Peter List, Editor | May 21, 2024
On Tuesday, one passenger was killed and more than 30 others were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight encountered “extreme turbulence” on a flight from London to Singapore.
“A 73-year-old British man died from a suspected heart attack,” reported the BBC, “while more than 30 people were injured when the London-Singapore flight suffered a sudden drop as a meal service was under way.”
Before an investigation has been completed, however, the president of a union representing U.S.-based flight attendants inferred that climate change may be to blame.
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson issued a press release on Tuesday, stating:
"Turbulence is a serious workplace safety issue for Flight Attendants, and today we are sadly reminded it can be deadly.
"For flight attendants and passengers alike, the dangerous, shaky feeling in midair called turbulence comes from air currents shifting. While details of Singapore Flight 321 are still developing, initial reports seem to indicate clear air turbulence, which is the most dangerous type of turbulence. It cannot be seen and is virtually undetectable with current technology. One second, you’re cruising smoothly; the next, passengers, crew and unsecured carts or other items are being thrown around the cabin.
"As our climate changes, severe and clear air turbulence instances are on the rise. Always follow crew instructions and wear your seatbelt whenever seated. It is a matter of life and death."
Nelson has been vocal about clear air turbulence, stating in April that the reason cabin crews suffer most of the injuries is pretty straightforward.
"We're checking on other people having their seat belts on. We're in the middle of a service. We're preparing for the next service in the galley with a 300-pound cart," Nelson stated. “So, it's often that we're not buckled in when these clear-turbulence events happen."
“Injuries from severe turbulence are relatively rare in the context of millions of flights operated," aviation expert John Strickland told the BBC.
"It is not for nothing that airlines recommend keeping seat belts loosely fastened throughout a flight, be it long or short," Strickland added.
