A 57-year-old woman suffered a devastating accident at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport when her leg became trapped in a moving walkway. Although her identity remains undisclosed, medical professionals are optimistic about the possibility of reattaching her severely injured limb. The incident occurred as she was preparing to board a flight at Terminal 2 and tripped over her suitcase, causing her leg to become entangled in the walkway.
Despite the best efforts of the on-site medical team, they were ultimately forced to amputate her left leg above the knee. This left the woman in a health crisis as medical experts try to determine whether her severed limb can be reattached and rehabilitated.
A photograph taken immediately after the incident shows the woman leaning against a first responder, her missing limb concealed by blue jeans. Initially taken to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, she was informed that her leg could not be reattached. However, she is now seeking a second opinion at Banrungrad International Hospital, where doctors have claimed there is a possibility for a successful reattachment. Banrungrad International Hospital’s expertise in complex surgeries and their optimistic outlook provide hope for the woman’s future recovery.
During a news conference, Don Mueang Airport Director Karun Thanakuljeerapat expressed his condolences and assured the public that measures would be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. The airport has committed to covering the passenger’s medical expenses and is open to discussing additional compensation as a result of the life-threatening incident.
The moving walkway involved in the accident was manufactured by the Japanese company Hitachi in 1996. Suitcase wheels were found under the walkway after the incident, although it remains unclear how they may have contributed to the accident. While incidents involving moving walkways are rare, they can result in serious injuries.