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Linda Kitchen, 74, from Thornbury near Bristol, has initiated legal proceedings against Singapore Airlines following a traumatic incident involving severe turbulence on a flight that left her husband, Geoff, 73, fatally injured. During the journey from London Heathrow, the aircraft suddenly dropped approximately 6,000 feet (1,828 metres), causing serious harm to both Linda and Geoff. Linda herself suffered a broken back as a result. Her legal representatives have filed a claim at the High Court, seeking compensation to cover specialist care for her injuries. The BBC has reached out to the airline for a response.
The incident took place in May 2024 as the couple embarked on a six-week vacation covering Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. The turbulence occurred while flying over Myanmar, forcing the plane to divert and make an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand. Linda described the experience as terrifying, recalling how earlier turbulence had been present over Europe and the ocean, but the most intense shaking happened about ten hours into the flight. She recounted, “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.”
During the sudden descent, Geoff fell onto Linda, pinning her against the armrest. Other passengers helped move him, and a doctor onboard began CPR. Linda was hospitalized immediately, but Geoff remained on the plane and was later pronounced dead. It’s believed that Geoff suffered a heart attack triggered by the abrupt plunge at high altitude. Linda described the subsequent days as painful and overwhelming, spending ten days in hospital before being airlifted back to Bristol and requiring extensive assistance following her discharge.
Anthe Korelidou, the aviation lawyer representing Linda Kitchen, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “That Geoff was fatally injured and Linda suffered severe injuries vividly highlights the severity of what happened.” Korelidou also noted that despite more than two years passing since Geoff’s death, the family still seeks answers and clarity about the circumstances of the incident and whether the airline could have taken additional measures to prevent it. Pursuing the case through the High Court marks a significant step towards thorough investigation and obtaining the truth the family deserves
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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