Have you ever considered possible airport accidents that may occur on an airport travelator? Probably not. However, a 57-year-old woman at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport had what can only be described as a horrific encounter on one. What simply started as a routine journey ended in a life-altering incident that sparked conversations surrounding airport safety worldwide.
The Fateful Moment on the Travelator
While walking down the moving walkway, the woman tripped over her suitcase when close to the end of the travelator. As she fell, she found herself in a tricky situation when her leg got trapped. This incident was captured by eyewitnesses and photographic evidence, revealing a rather distressing site that showed how the woman’s leg was trapped in the travelator’s components.
Medical Team’s Desperate Efforts
An onsite medical rescue team was fast on the scene, in a bid to save the woman from the machinery. Sadly, due to the severity of the injury, where several bones and tendons were severed, they were left with no choice but to amputate her leg, just above the knee. Unfortunately, even though they responded fast, there was no way they would have managed to save her leg.
A Race to Save Her Limb
The limb was placed in a foam box, hoping that they would have been able to reattach it. Then she was transferred to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital immediately for emergency care. Unfortunately, the doctor was unable to save the leg which dashed her hopes of ever being fully mobile again.
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A Family in Shock and Grief
The woman’s shocked son shared an emotional message following the incident on Facebook in a heartfelt post. “My mother’s morale is quite concerning. We got to speak to her a bit before and after the operation… Even though she showed her strength through facial expression and tone of voice, we knew that deep down she was broken because she suddenly lost a leg,” he wrote. He also spoke out on the toll it’s taken on their family when they realized their mother’s life would forever change.
Airport’s Response and Apology
Accidents at airports happen, but Don Mueang Airport has expressed its sorrow for the incident. Officials have pledged to find ways to avoid such occurrences in the future. Airport Director Karun Thanakuljeerapat said: “On behalf of the Don Mueang International Airport, I’d like to express my deepest condolences regarding the accident. I’d like to insist that we will ensure that no such accident will happen again.”
An official spokesperson mentioned that they have been to see the woman since the injury to ensure she is recovering comfortably. They have also made it clear that they will take responsibility for all her medical expenses and provide compensation for the injury. Proving they genuinely do have her best interest at heart.
Finding Strength After Tragedy
It’s been a few months since the accident happened at the airport and the woman has bravely taken her first steps, resilient and determined. Her son updated followers on her progress. “My mum walked for 15 minutes and must practice every day. It’s very encouraging. She’s still as beautiful as ever despite everything that has happened. I hope that soon she’ll be running faster than me.” He said.
A Call for Improved Safety Measures
Accidents at airports happen, but hopefully through this particular incident, more airports will reevaluate their safety protocols. While these sorts of accidents are rare, they serve as a reminder that accidents can and do happen. While her recovery continues, the journey may be tough, but she’s made it through the hardest part and we wish her a speedy recovery.
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