For anyone who has ever worried about a travelator mishap, this chilling story will hit close to home.
A 57-year-old woman experienced a horrifying ordeal at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport last year, resulting in the amputation of her leg after it became trapped in a travelator.
The Terrifying Incident
While walking along the travelator, the woman reportedly tripped over her suitcase and fell through a gap at the end of the walkway. In the process, her leg became lodged in the machinery.
Despite immediate efforts by medical personnel to free her, her leg sustained severe damage, including severed bones and tendons.
Ultimately, the medical team had no choice but to amputate her leg above the knee on-site to prevent further complications.
Desperate Efforts to Save Her Leg
Following the emergency amputation, her leg was placed in a foam box in hopes of reattachment.
However, after being rushed to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, doctors determined that her limb could not be saved due to the extent of the injuries.
Her Son’s Heartbreaking Account
The woman’s son shared his family’s anguish on social media, describing the toll the incident took on his mother’s morale.
“My mother’s morale is quite concerning,” he wrote. “Even though she showed strength through her facial expression and tone of voice, deep down, she was broken because she suddenly lost a leg.
Our family knows we can neither make her leg work like before, nor can we bring back the same life she had lived.”
Airport’s Response and Compensation
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Don Mueang Airport’s director, Karun Thanakuljeerapat, expressed his condolences and pledged to prevent such accidents from happening again.
“The director of Don Mueang Airport and management has visited the patient to follow up on her treatment.
The airport is deeply saddened by the incident and ready to fully accept responsibility, as well as take care of the medical expenses and compensation,” a spokesperson said.
A Glimmer of Hope: Her Road to Recovery
Months after the traumatic incident, the woman began taking her first steps with the help of a prosthetic leg. Her son shared the encouraging update, expressing admiration for her resilience:
“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.”
Lessons from the Incident
While the accident was an isolated and rare event, it raises awareness about travelator safety in public spaces. Passengers are reminded to:
- Remain vigilant when using moving walkways.
- Keep luggage close to avoid tripping hazards.
- Avoid standing near the edges of travelators, especially at their endpoints.
For Don Mueang Airport, the incident has prompted a commitment to improving safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This tragic story is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change. Despite the devastating circumstances, the woman’s determination and her family’s unwavering support shine as a testament to human resilience.
Her journey toward recovery serves as an inspiration to others facing life-altering challenges.
Let this story also encourage vigilance and caution in public spaces—accidents may be rare, but being mindful of our surroundings can make all the difference.
