All SQ321 crew members back in Singapore: SIA

SINGAPORE: The sole crew member of the turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ321 still in Bangkok over the weekend is back in Singapore.

"We can confirm that all crew members who were on board SQ321 have returned to Singapore," said the airline in an update on Monday (May 27). 

Fifty-two passengers from SQ321 are still in the Thai capital, including 34 receiving medical treatment in hospital. 

"Singapore Airlines has been in contact with passengers and crew members who were on SQ321, including those who are still in Bangkok. Where requested, we have facilitated travel to Bangkok for their families and loved ones," said SIA. 

The airline said the well-being of its passengers and staff was its "utmost priority". 

The Boeing 777-300ER jet was en route to Singapore from London carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members when it encountered extreme turbulence on May 21. 

The turbulence flung passengers and crew around the cabin, slamming some into the ceiling, leaving many injured, some suffering brain and spinal cord injuries.

One British passenger died. Mr Geoff Kitchen, 73, was believed to have died from a heart attack. 

On Sunday, the aircraft returned to Singapore, five days after its emergency landing in Bangkok. 

"SIA is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities in the investigation into this incident," said the airline on Monday.

Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat said on Friday that investigators had obtained and are examining the data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of the flight.

Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), part of the Transport Ministry, despatched investigators to Bangkok to find out what happened. Investigators from the United States have also travelled to Thailand.