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Singapore Airlines offering compensation to those injured during severe turbulence
Following a severely turbulent flight that injured more than 100 passengers last month, Singapore Airlines has announced it will offer compensation to those effected during the traumatic trip, including help with medical expenses.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was on its way from London to Singapore on May 20 when it was diverted to Bangkok, Thailand after experiencing violent turbulence that left some people so injured, they needed spinal surgeries. A 73-year-old British man also died on the flight, but he was believed to have suffered a heart attack during the turbulence, CBS News’ partner network BBC News reported.
Of the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board, more than 100 were treated at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital and at least 20 were in intensive care immediately after the incident.
Reuters/Stringer
To apologize for the traumatic experience, Singapore Airlines announced on Tuesday it would offer $10,000 U.S. to those who suffered injuries during the flight.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” the company wrote on social media. It is unclear how many passengers suffered serious injuries and will receive higher compensation.
Those who require long-term medical care after the incident were offered an advance payment $25,000 U.S. “to address their immediate needs,” the airline said. The airline has been covering medical expenses and has helped fly family members of the injured to Bangkok.
Pongsakornr Rodphai via Reuters
Singapore Air is also refunding the air fare for all passengers on the flight – even if they weren’t injured – and provided $1,000 for the expense of leaving Bangkok.
During the incident, the plane dropped from an altitude of about 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet in about five minutes, according to tracking data from the FlightAware.
It was about 10 hours into the flight after the plane crossed the Andaman Sea and was nearing the Thai coast when the rough ride began. There were thunderstorms in the area, and while many associate turbulence with storms, climatologists say the world’s fast-warming oceans, caused by climate change, could also contribute to flight turbulence.
CBS News
Kamala Harris will speak with “60 Minutes” tomorrow. Here’s what to know for the interview.
Voters will get the chance to hear from Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday as she presents her case for why she should be president in a “60 Minutes” election special.
For decades, “60 Minutes” has featured both Republican and Democratic nominees for presidents, but this year, former President Donald Trump backed out after previously indicating he would be on the show. Correspondent Scott Pelley, who’d been set to interview Trump, will instead travel to Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to more than 60% of Arizona’s voters and a critical battleground in a key swing state.
One thing is certain about the election; with the U.S. deeply involved in both the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, whoever wins on Nov. 5 will become a wartime president.
What Harris will discuss
Israel’s war started one year ago after Hamas launched a surprise terror attack and correspondent Bill Whitaker will discuss the ongoing war with Harris.
Harris will also discuss the economy, immigration, her record as vice president and the differences between herself and Trump.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz will also appear.
Whitaker joined the Democratic ticket on the campaign trail this week to gain insight into their platform’s priorities and values, and what the candidates believe voters should know.
Why Trump pulled out of the “60 Minutes” interview
Leading up to the candidate hour, Trump, through campaign spokespeople, was the first candidate to accept the “60 Minutes” request to be interviewed for the special, according to CBS News. It had been agreed that both candidates would receive equal time during the broadcast.
Trump last sat down with 60 Minutes in 2020. He walked out during the interview with Lesley Stahl. Trump referenced the incident on Tuesday night at a Milwaukee press conference when asked about his decision not to participate in the Oct. 7 “60 Minutes” election special.
“Well, right now, I went to – they came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first I want to get an apology, because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the ‘laptop from hell’ was from Russia, and I said it wasn’t from Russia. It was from Hunter, and I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes.’ I do everything.”
The Republican nominee for president emphasized that he felt he was owed an apology from “60 Minutes.”
“Let’s see if they do it. I wouldn’t mind doing 60,” Trump continued. “I’ve done ’60 Minutes’ a lot.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s team had not agreed to an interview.
“Fake News,” Cheung said in a post on X. “60 Minutes begged for an interview, even after they were caught lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop back in 2020. There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in. They also insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented.”
Previous Trump, Harris appearances on 60 Minutes
Trump previously sat down with “60 Minutes'” Mike Wallace in 1985, Pelley in 2015 and Lesley Stahl twice in 2016, first in July of that year and then again in November of 2016. He also spoke with Stahl again in 2018 and 2020.
Harris previously sat down with Whitaker last year. She also was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell, “CBS Evening News” anchor and “60 Minutes” contributing correspondent, in 2020.
How to watch the “60 Minutes” election special
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