Un Britannique meurt dans une tragédie lorsque l'avion de Singapore Airlines plonge de 178 pieds en moins de cinq secondes.

A British couple, Linda and Geoff Kitchen, both in their seventies, were among the passengers on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 when they encountered extreme turbulence during their journey from London Heathrow to Singapore in May 2024. The incident occurred approximately 10 hours into the flight, over Myanmar, when the Boeing 777-300ER experienced sudden and severe turbulence that caused the aircraft to plunge 178 feet within less than five seconds. The turbulence led to a series of traumatic events onboard, resulting in the death of Geoff Kitchen, 73, due to a suspected heart attack, while his wife, Linda, 74, sustained spinal fractures and required intensive medical care. According to reports, the Kitchens were embarking on a six-week holiday planned to cover destinations in Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. Their experience on the flight became one of profound fear and loss. Linda Kitchen described the turbulence as feeling like the plane was dropping rapidly, causing her to fall backward and to the side. She recalled seeing her husband's belongings fall to the floor and sensing the plane descending. As the situation escalated, she found herself trapped between her husband and an armrest, unable to move him. Two fellow passengers intervened, moving Geoff near an emergency exit and summoning a doctor to perform CPR. Despite these efforts, Geoff did not survive. His wife received the devastating news two days later while hospitalized. The emotional toll on Linda Kitchen has been immense. She expressed how the past two years have been particularly challenging, describing the loss of her husband as a crushing blow to the entire family. They had anticipated seeing him support his grandchildren growing up, and the suddenness of his passing has left them grappling with grief and the physical aftermath of her injuries. Linda noted that while nothing can restore Geoff to them, she feels compelled to seek clarity regarding the circumstances of his death. In addition to seeking justice through legal channels, the Kitchens have initiated proceedings in the High Court, submitting two claims, one on behalf of Linda and another representing the estate of Geoff. Other individuals affected by the turbulence have also pursued legal action against Singapore Airlines, including Bradley Richards, Jack Jenkins, Hannah Fullerton, Andrew Dawood, Bryan Matthews, and Pauline and Michael Rainey. These cases are currently pending, with the family awaiting the outcome of a coroner’s inquest into Geoff Kitchen’s death. Linda Kitchen, who has been actively involved in local community activities, particularly through her participation in the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, shared that her husband was well-regarded for his character and contributions. The theatre group honored him posthumously, dedicating an upcoming performance to his memory. He leaves behind two adult children and four grandchildren, whose lives have been profoundly impacted by his passing. As the legal actions continue and the inquest proceeds, the Kitchens remain focused on uncovering the truth behind the turbulence that claimed their loved one’s life. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical importance of safety measures in aviation.