**Wife of Man Who Died After Severe Turbulence Sues Airline**
Linda Kitchen, a 74-year-old widow from Thornbury near Bristol, has initiated legal proceedings against Singapore Airlines following the tragic death of her husband, Geoff Kitchen, during a flight marked by severe turbulence. The incident occurred in May 2024, as the couple was embarking on a six-week holiday to Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.
According to Kitchen's legal representatives, the turbulence struck unexpectedly while the flight was over Myanmar, causing the aircraft to drop approximately 6,000 feet (1,828 meters). Geoff, 73, suffered fatal injuries during the incident, which led to an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand. Linda Kitchen herself sustained serious injuries, including a broken back, when her husband fell on top of her during the turbulence.
In her statement, Linda recounted the harrowing experience, describing the moment of turbulence as terrifying. "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."
Following the incident, a doctor on board provided immediate assistance to Geoff, who was unresponsive. Linda was taken to a hospital while her husband remained on the plane. It was two days later that she received the devastating news of his death, which was attributed to a heart attack triggered by the sudden drop in altitude.
Linda spent ten days in the hospital in Thailand before being airlifted back to Bristol, where she continued to receive treatment for her injuries. "I was in so much pain that the journey was a blur," she recalled. After returning to the UK, she required significant support at home for her recovery.
Anthe Korelidou, a specialist aviation lawyer representing Linda, emphasized the severity of the incident and the ongoing impact it has had on the Kitchen family. "That Geoff was fatally injured and Linda suffered severe injuries vividly highlights the severity of what happened," Korelidou stated. "While it's more than two years since Geoff's death, Linda and the rest of her family continue to have a number of questions and concerns about what happened and if more could have been done to prevent their injuries."
The legal action taken by Linda Kitchen seeks damages from Singapore Airlines to help cover the costs associated with her recovery and to facilitate access to specialist support for her injuries. The case has been filed in the High Court, marking a significant step in Linda's quest for answers regarding the incident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Linda Kitchen hopes that thorough investigations will be conducted to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the turbulence and the subsequent injuries sustained by her and her husband. "All Linda wants is for the most thorough investigations to be conducted," Korelidou added. "The issuing of High Court proceedings is a major milestone in being able to provide Geoff's loved ones with the answers they deserve."
The BBC has reached out to Singapore Airlines for comment on the lawsuit and the events that transpired during the flight, but no response has been received at this time.
As the case progresses, it highlights the potential dangers associated with air travel and the importance of ensuring passenger safety during flights. The Kitchen family's tragic experience serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved, even in seemingly routine journeys.