A woman, 57, lost her leg after becoming trapped in a moving walkway at an airport on Thursday, June 29.
The incident took place at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. The passenger, whose identity has not been released, was set to board a flight from Terminal 2. However, she tripped over her suitcase, leading to her leg getting caught in the walkway mechanism.
Despite the prompt efforts by the airport’s medical team, the woman’s situation necessitated the amputation of her left leg above the knee. A photograph from the scene shows her leaning on a first responder, with her missing limb hidden beneath her jeans.
Initial medical examination at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital ruled out the possibility of reattaching her leg. A subsequent opinion sought from Bumrungrad International Hospital, however, suggested the possibility of reattachment.
The moving walkway involved in the accident, installed by Hitachi in 1996, is under investigation, and the role suitcase wheels might have played in the incident remains uncertain.
Airport Director Karun Thanakuljeerapat stated during a news conference that the airport will cover the passenger’s medical costs and is open to discussing additional compensation.
