In June, a distressing incident took place at Don Mueang Airport, leaving a woman with severe injuries that ultimately led to the amputation of her leg.
The incident occurred on a travelator, where her whole leg got stuck inside it and she had to have her whole lower left leg amputated.
Associate Professor Weerachai, a member of the fact-finding committee responsible for investigating the incident, stated that it was indeed an accident. Following a committee meeting on July 7th, he shared crucial details regarding the root cause of the incident.
The investigation uncovered a significant issue with the travelator’s structural integrity. The panel of the travelator on which Ms Kittirattana stepped had only one remaining screw instead of the necessary four.
Over time, screws may have worn out or fallen off due to the travelator’s prolonged operation spanning 30 years. This structural deficiency created an unsafe condition that led to the unfortunate incident.
Contrary to initial speculation, the incident was not caused by luggage or a broken comb on the travelator. The investigation confirmed that these factors were unrelated to the incident. Instead, the focus remained on the missing screws and the resulting instability of the travelator panel.
Despite the travelator’s age, Associate Professor Weerachai emphasized that the sensor system remained functional. It reacted promptly to the incident, bringing the travelator to a stop within 10 seconds. This demonstrates that the travelator’s safety features were operational, but the structural issue compromised its stability.
The prompt response of four flight attendants and technicians who rushed to Ms Kittirattana’s aid highlights the importance of immediate assistance during emergencies.
Steady Recovery and Rehabilitation
In a Facebook post, Ms Kittirattana’s son, Kit, expressed gratitude to Associate Professor Weerachai for establishing that the incident was not a result of his mother’s negligence.
He also shared a video documenting his mother’s rehabilitation process. The footage showcased Ms Kittirattana’s progress, with her ability to walk over 15 meters.
However, she still requires practice to regain her daily routines, such as getting into bed and going to the bathroom.
Planning to sue
According to news reports, Ms Kittirattana is considering legal action against Airports of Thailand (AoT), the state-owned company responsible for operating airports across Thailand.
The incident has raised questions about the maintenance and safety protocols of travelators and the accountability of airport management in ensuring passenger safety.
Recap
A shocking incident occurred at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, resulting in a woman losing her lower left leg. The incident took place at approximately 8:40 am on June 29.
The woman’s leg became trapped in a moving walkway after she fell down due to an impact from a piece of luggage.
Reports from Don Mueang Airport confirmed the occurrence of the accident, which left the woman severely injured.
According to Thai media Manager Daily 360 Degree, the woman’s leg was completely severed above the knee and she was then sent to the hospital.
The incident happened in Terminal 2 of Don Mueang Airport, where the woman was preparing to board a domestic flight.
Following the accident, the injured woman was promptly taken to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for immediate medical attention where the hospital staff is providing necessary treatment and care to address her critical condition.