SAA A343 over Malaysia on Jul 16th 2014, severe turbulence injures 28

A SAA South African Airways Airbus A340-300, registration ZS-SXA performing flight SA-286 (dep Jul 15th) from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Hong Kong (China) with 165 passengers, was enroute at FL370 over Malaysia when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence causing injuries to 25 passengers and 3 crew. The aircraft continued to Hong Kong for a safe landing about 4 hours later. Two occupants received serious injuries, 26 minor injuries, all were taken to hospitals.

The airline reported the aircraft encountered turbulence in the airspace around Kuala Lumpur. Of the 165 passengers on board 25 received injuries as well as 3 members of the crew.

Hong Kong Police reported 25 occupants were injured, two of them seriously. One of the serious injuries is a neck injury.

Passengers reported they were asleep when the aircraft encountered the turbulence near Singapore (Singapore). Most of the injured impacted the ceiling of the cabin receiving head injuries.

Scenes on board after the turbulence encounter (Photo: Asanda Ntshiqa):

Infrared Satellite Image VISSR Jul 16th 2014 00:00Z (Graphics: AVH/Meteosat):