The son of a woman who had to have part of her leg amputated after a shocking incident on a moving walkway at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport says airport bosses have remained silent with little contact following the incident.
Krit Kittirattana says there’s been no update from airport officials as to how the investigation is progressing, despite his mother, Suphannee Kittirattana, providing statements to investigating authorities.
According to a Coconuts report, Krit says his mother is recovering, but her life has been forever changed as a result of the June 29 incident. It’s understood his mother was a carer to his grandparents and also enjoyed travel and holidays. Her son says her life will never be the same again although her recovery was progressing well.
Yesterday photos were posted in Thai media showing the 57 year old taking some steps with the aid of physiotherapists and a walking frame.
Krit adds that the family is not interested in pointing the finger at anyone but they want to know what caused the accident that led to his mother losing part of her leg and they want the responsible party to be held accountable.
He goes on to say that airport bosses have provided no update on progress and have not shared any CCTV footage of the incident. Krit says the expense of his mother’s ongoing medical treatment is also a concern, as well as the rehabilitation she will need.
It’s understood no charges have yet been filed against any party, whether that’s the airport, the local maintenance company (Siam Hitachi), or the original manufacturer in Japan, Hitachi. The walkways were installed at the Don Mueang Airport 37 years ago and slated for an upgrade in 2025.
Meanwhile, Professor Weerachai Phutdhawong from Kasetsart University says he has met with airport bosses and it appears a section of the moving walkway fell off because of either missing or loose screws which would otherwise hold the plate down. As a result, Suphannee’s leg was pulled into and trapped in the travellator’s internal mechanism.
According to Weerachai, investigators found that three out of four screws in that section were worn and had dropped out. He says they most likely failed as a result of age, given that the walkway was installed in 1987 (other media reports have reported a later installation date).
There was no further explanation as to why this wouldn’t have been picked up on through routine inspection and maintenance.
SOURCE: Coconuts
