Singapore Airlines sued in high court by British passengers after fatal flight SQ321 turbulence plunge

Holiday tragedy as flight plunges 178ft under five seconds

Linda Kitchen, 74, is among several passengers from the UK who are suing Singapore Airlines for damages.

Linda's husband, Geoff, 73, died during the severe turbulence of what is suspected to be a heart attack, while she herself suffered from spinal fractures.

The couple from Thornbury near Bristol were looking forward to their 6-week trip in South East Asia. They planned to visit Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

Linda spoke for the first time to The Independent, describing the terrifying moment that lead to personal injury damages.

“There had been some turbulence over Europe and it had been shaky over the water, but it was around 10 hours into the flight when we encountered the main turbulence," she said.

"It was so severe; it felt like the aircraft was dropping.

“I noticed my Kindle and Geoff’s phone had fallen to the floor and I thought the plane was going down. 

“Geoff fell onto me and was squashing me into the armrest and I couldn’t move him.

"I was screaming and somehow two passengers managed to come across and help him. They moved Geoff near the escape door and a doctor was called to carry out CPR on him.”

Despite the efforts, Geoff did not survive. Linda was made aware of the news 2 days later in a Bangkok hospital.

She was relocated to a UK hospital 8 days later where she underwent recovery for her injuries.

However, Linda wasn't the only one affected by the violent turbulence, as she and other UK passengers came together in talking about legal actions to be taken to the airline.

“When I got separated from Geoff I knew he was in a bad way, but nothing prepared me for hearing he had died," said Linda. "It was absolutely devastating."

Linda described that losing Geoff was emotional draining, while also coping with considerable pain from her own injuries.

Linda and Geoff

"Losing Geoff was a crushing blow to the whole family as we all thought he would be around to see his grandchildren grow up," she said.

"We had a happy and fulfilled marriage and now I’ve lost my soulmate.”

The couple were married for 54 years prior to the accident.

Geoff, a popular individual in the Thornbury community, worked with the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group.

Just before taking the plane to Singapore, Geoff was working on a production for an upcoming show, which was dedicated to him after his death.

Linda submitted two claims to the High Court: one on behalf of herself, and another on behalf of Geoff's estate.

“I know nothing can bring Geoff back," Linda said, "but I feel I owe it to him to at least get some answers and understand the circumstances surrounding his death.”

Linda's representative, Irwin Mitchell, said: “All Linda wants is for the most thorough investigations to be conducted.

"The issuing of High Court proceedings is a major milestone in being able to provide Geoff’s loved ones with the answers they deserve."

Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, apologized for the "traumatic experience" to the 211 passengers onboard.