A woman’s leg was amputated at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport after being trapped in a moving walkway. The incident occurred as the unnamed 57-year-old woman was about to board a morning flight to Nakhon Si Thammarat province on June 29. According to airport officials, she reportedly became caught in the walkway located in Terminal 2 after tripping over her suitcase.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by moving walkways in busy airports. It highlights the importance of exercising caution and being mindful of one’s surroundings, especially when handling luggage or navigating through such facilities. Airport authorities and staff are continuously working to enhance safety measures and ensure the well-being of passengers during their travel experiences.
The woman fell into the travelator and was pulled into the conveyor belt, resulting in significant injuries. Medical professionals were promptly summoned to the scene, and they made the difficult decision to amputate the lower half of her left leg just above the knee.
Disturbing images of the incident have circulated online, depicting the passenger’s leg trapped beneath the walkway while airport staff worked to provide assistance.
Don Mueang Airport has released a statement regarding the incident, indicating that the airport management visited the patient and received updates from the medical team at Bhumibol Hospital. The statement affirms that the patient is currently undergoing treatment with the medical team. Additionally, the airport expresses deep sadness about the incident and takes full responsibility, assuring that they will cover the medical expenses and provide compensation.
During a news conference, Karun Thanakuljeerapat, the airport director, expressed condolences and emphasized the commitment to prevent similar accidents in the future on behalf of Don Mueang International Airport.
At the time of the incident, a suitcase near the passenger was found to be missing two wheels, and the yellow comb-like plates from the conveyor belt were observed to be broken off from their usual position at the end of the moving walkway. Thanakuljeerapat mentioned that the suitcase wheels were later discovered beneath the belt, although it remains unclear how this might be related to the accident.
The medical team at the hospital informed him later that they were unable to reattach the woman’s leg. Upon learning this, the woman reportedly requested to be transferred to another hospital for further assessment.
In response to the incident, the airport director reassured the public that the walkway had been closed and a team of engineers was currently inspecting it to determine the cause of the incident.
Don Mueang airport also stated on Facebook on June 29, providing an update on the situation. The translated statement explained that initially, the injured woman received immediate care from the medical team at Don Mueang Airport and was then transported to Bhumibol Adulyadej The Royal Thai Air Force Medical Department for treatment. Subsequently, at 1:00 p.m., she was transferred to Bumrungrad Hospital for further treatment.
The statement emphasized that the patient is currently undergoing treatment and is being closely monitored by a medical team. The airport also stated that strict penalties will be imposed if the investigation reveals any defects or negligence that caused the tragic incident.
