The number of Australians confirmed to have been hospitalised after deadly turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight forced an emergency landing has increased.
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Australian officials were helping 12 Australian citizens and one permanent resident in hospital in Bangkok who were injured during the incident, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said on Thursday.
Another Australia had been hospitalised but has since been discharged, the spokesperson said.
"The Australian government offers its sympathies to those affected by the Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 incident," they said in a statement.
Some of the 56 Australians on board the flight have begun making their way home as relieved passengers touched down in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Beverley Mayers recalled non-stop tears after getting off the plane.
"My son has come to pick me up and I said to him, 'I have to stay with you tonight and see my other children, and just hold them close'," she told Nine News.
A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack after the plane plunged in mid-air and sent passengers flying around the cabin.
At least 30 passengers were injured 10 hours into the flight from London to Singapore after it hit an air pocket.
While traumatising, the severe level of turbulence was uncommon, Australian and International Pilots Association safety and technical director Steve Cornell said.
There would have been less injuries if passengers had kept their seatbelts fastened, even when the sign was off, he said.
Australian Associated Press
