- author, alex smith
- role, BBC news
The British man who died on a Singapore Airlines flight during severe turbulence has been identified as Geoff Kitchen.
Seven other people were seriously injured and dozens more suffered minor injuries.
A local theater company that Mr. Kitchen helped run said he was “always a gentleman of the utmost honesty and integrity.”
Thornbury Musical Theater Group in South Gloucestershire said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we have learned of the devastating news of the passing of our much-respected colleague and friend.”
“He has served the group and the local community of Thornbury for over 35 years.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family during this difficult time,” they added.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Department spokeswoman said they were supporting the passengers' families and liaising with local authorities.
Mr Kitchen was on board the flight from London to Singapore, with around 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, including 47 from the UK.
About 10 hours into the flight, the plane encountered “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar's Irrawaddy Basin, aviation officials said.
Passengers have described scenes of “absolute terror” on board, with people and objects suddenly flying across the plane.
Following the incident, the Boeing 777-300ER diverted to Bangkok and made an emergency landing at 15:45 local time (8:45 Japan time).
Singapore Airlines said it is working with Thai authorities to provide medical assistance to passengers and is sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional support needed.
