Dozens of passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight from London were injured on Tuesday, with more than 20 of them suffering spinal injuries, according to a Bangkok hospital where some of the passengers were treated. The Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok reported that they are currently treating 22 patients with spine and spinal cord issues, in addition to six individuals with skull and brain injuries, and 13 others for bone, muscle, or soft tissue complaints.

The incident occurred while Flight SQ321 was cruising at 37,000 feet, when the plane experienced sudden turbulence, dropping sharply and then climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. The turbulence continued, with the plane dipping and ascending repeatedly for about a minute. Many passengers were having breakfast at the time of the incident.

Disturbing images and videos from inside the aircraft after its emergency landing in Bangkok revealed the extent of the damage. Overhead compartments were smashed open, emergency oxygen air masks dangled above the seats, and parts of the plane's interior hung down from a section of the open ceiling. The floor was littered with trays, containers, plastic bottles, and hot beverage pots.

Following the incident, the flight, which had 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, was diverted to Bangkok, where ambulances and emergency response teams were waiting. The injured passengers hailed from various countries including Australia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, the United States, and Ireland, according to the hospital.

Of the total 71 passengers reported injured on the flight, 55 individuals remain in the hospital, with 40 of them being treated at the Samitivej Srinakarin facility. Tragically, a 73-year-old British man with a preexisting heart condition passed away on board, though the cause of his death has yet to be officially confirmed by hospital officials.

In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines sent a relief flight to fly 143 passengers and crew members back to Singapore on Wednesday morning, while investigations into the cause of the turbulence and the extent of the damage continue. Both the airline and relevant authorities are expected to conduct thorough investigations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The safety and well-being of passengers is paramount, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols in the aviation industry.