A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore has become the scene of a tragic accident after encountering severe turbulence believed to be caused by rapidly developing thunderstorms. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to at least 71 others.

The Boeing 777-300ER, carrying hundreds of passengers and crew, was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand, after experiencing violent air fluctuations over Myanmar. Aviation tracking website FlightRadar24 suggests the turbulence struck around 7:49 AM UTC (3:49 AM ET), roughly 10 hours into the flight. Their data indicates a rapid change in altitude, consistent with a sudden turbulence event.

While the cause of the turbulence is still under investigation, satellite data analysis suggests the culprit was likely a band of thunderstorms forming over the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar. These storms, typical for the region as the monsoon season approaches, can develop quickly and may not be immediately detectable by radar. The rapid ascent of air within these developing storms can create significant turbulence, even at high altitudes.

Singapore Airlines, known for its high safety standards, has expressed its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and apologized for the ordeal passengers and crew endured. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact cause of the turbulence and ensure the well-being of those onboard. This tragic event highlights the dangers of unpredictable weather phenomena, even on major airlines with established safety records.