Two children, one Dutch and the other Chinese, were both injured by falling ceiling tiles at Chiang Mai Airport over the weekend.
The Bangkok Post reports that airport bosses are blaming heavy rainfall and condensation from the cooling system after a section of the ceiling collapsed on Saturday, August 3.
It’s understood the section in question, above the baggage claim area, came lose and fell onto both children just before 8am. A Chinese child sustained a head injury while a Dutch boy sustained a minor injury to his hand.
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Both children were treated by medical staff at the airport, with the family of the Dutch boy confirming they would continue their journey to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport as planned.
However, the Chinese child had a 5-centimetre cut to his head and was taken to a private hospital for stitches. It’s understood the child was later able to take a flight to Hat Yai, in the southern province of Songkhla.
According to the Bangkok Post report, airport representatives assisted the family with the purchase of new flight tickets, lunch, and lounge access. The family has also received initial compensation pending a review by the airport’s insurer.
Chiang Mai Airport general manager Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn has apologised for the incident, saying he accepts full responsibility.
According to the report, a preliminary investigation indicates that the ceiling was damaged by the airport’s cooling system, with the damage made worse by the recent heavy rainfall.
Repair work is now underway.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
