Airport accidents aren’t something most travelers think about, but a shocking incident at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport has left a woman with life-changing injuries. What started as a routine walk on a moving walkway ended in tragedy, sparking serious concerns about airport safety worldwide.
A Nightmare on the Travelator
On February 26, 2025, a 57-year-old woman experienced a devastating accident when she tripped over her suitcase while stepping off a travelator at Don Mueang Airport. In a horrifying twist of fate, her leg became trapped in the walkway’s mechanism, leaving her helpless as bystanders watched in shock. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with airport staff and fellow passengers scrambling to help her as the machinery continued pulling her in.
Desperate Attempts to Save Her Leg
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the damage was severe—her leg had been crushed, with bones and tendons irreparably torn. In a heart-wrenching decision, medical personnel had no choice but to amputate her leg on the spot to free her from the machinery. Hoping for a miracle, they preserved the severed limb in a foam box and rushed her to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. Unfortunately, doctors confirmed that reattachment was impossible.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Reality
The woman’s son later shared an emotional message on social media, revealing how deeply the accident had shaken their family. “She tried to stay strong, but we could see the pain in her eyes. It was a sudden, life-altering loss that none of us could have prepared for,” he wrote.
Despite her immense physical and emotional trauma, she has shown incredible resilience. Months after the incident, her son shared a hopeful update: “She walked for 15 minutes today. She’s fighting through it all. I hope one day she’ll be running faster than me.”
Airport’s Response: Apology and Promises
Following the accident, Don Mueang Airport officials expressed deep regret and pledged to review safety measures to prevent similar incidents. The airport’s director, Karun Thanakuljeerapat, stated: “We take full responsibility and are committed to ensuring this never happens again.” They also confirmed they would cover all medical expenses and offer compensation to the victim.
However, many are questioning why such a serious accident was even possible. Were there safety failures? Was the travelator poorly maintained? Travelers and safety advocates are calling for more rigorous inspections and better emergency response plans at airports worldwide.
A Wake-Up Call for Airport Safety
While travelators and escalators are generally safe, this incident is a stark reminder that accidents can and do happen. Poor maintenance, lack of emergency stop mechanisms, or even simple distractions can lead to devastating consequences.
For now, the woman’s journey to recovery continues, marked by strength, resilience, and hope. Her story serves as a powerful lesson for airports everywhere: safety can never be taken for granted.