(UPDATED) One person died and multiple people were injured aboard a Boeing 777 plane that experienced "severe turbulence" while heading from London to Singapore before it was diverted to Bangkok on Tuesday, Singapore Airlines said.

"We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board," the airline said in a statement on Facebook.

It did not specify how many people were injured, the extent of their injuries or whether the person who died was a passenger or crew member.

Singapore Airlines said flight SQ321 took off from London's Heathrow airport and "encountered severe turbulence en-route".

The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 3:45 pm local time (0845 GMT) Tuesday.

"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed," the carrier added.

Singapore Airlines, in a statement late Tuesday, said 18 individuals had been hospitalized.

"Another 12 were being treated in hospitals. The remaining passengers and crew were being examined and given treatment, where necessary, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok," it added.

5 Filipinos on board

There were a total of 18 crew on board and 211 passengers, including 5 FIlipinos, according to the airline.

"Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We deeply apologise for the traumatic experience that our passengers and crew members suffered on this flight. We are providing all necessary assistance during this difficult time," the airline said.

"We are working with our colleagues and the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary assistance. A Singapore Airlines team is on its way to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed," it added. "SIA is working with the relevant authorities on the investigation into this incident."

Relatives seeking information may call the Singapore Airlines hotlines at +65 6542 3311 (Singapore), 1800-845-313 (Australia), and 080-0066-8194 (the United Kingdom). 

The airline said it will also provide regular updates on its Facebook and X accounts online. - with a report from Agence France-Presse