PUBLISHED : 27 Jul 2023 at 04:00
Airports of Thailand (AoT) yesterday concluded that a collapsed plate on one of its moving walkways caused the accident in which a woman lost a leg at Don Mueang airport on June 29.
The probe was carried out by a nine-member fact-finding panel appointed by the AoT. It was closely monitored by two observers appointed by the victim’s family and two representatives from an insurance firm. It took 22 days to finish reviewing 10 items of physical evidence, as well as documents and statements given by 34 witnesses and other relevant individuals.
AoT director Kerati Kijmanawat said the accident was caused by a travellator footplate breaking free from the mounting frame, which led to the leg of the victim falling through the gap as she was approaching the end of the moving walkway.
Mr Kerati said the committee recommended hiring a technical expert from another agency to conduct safety checks on travellators at Don Mueang airport. The committee also recommended boosting safety measures so they are in line with EN115-2 standard, such as installing sensors to detect faults and CCTV cameras to check if maintenance is being conducted regularly and properly.
All the victim’s medical costs will be covered by the AoT, which will also offer her compensation, Mr Kerati said. He also conveyed his deep regrets saying that the AoT always prioritises safety.