Panel to survey older walkways
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has formed a committee to investigate a moving walkway incident that cost a woman her leg, with the task expected to be completed within 15 days.
AoT director Kerati Kijmanawat said yesterday the committee comprises the Ministry of Transport, the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), the Engineers Council, Siam Hitachi Company and family members of the victim, who lost a part of her left leg after falling on one of the airport’s travellators on Thursday.
He said the panel will also consider replacing moving walkways older than 20 to 25 years at all six AoT airports: Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai.
Since the incident, all 20 moving walkways at Don Mueang Airport have been suspended from service. They will gradually resume operation after inspection and necessary upgrades, a process expected to take one month.
“We admit that our travellators are over 27 years old, but they do receive regular maintenance,” said Mr Kerati. “We will consider replacing those older than 15-20 years as well as employing new technologies such as sensors.”
He added that if Siam Hitachi, which is responsible for maintaining the walkways, is found at fault, the company will be held accountable.
“This would be considered a serious oversight and we would have to notify the Comptroller General’s Department to reconsider the company in its purchase and acquisition process.”
The AoT chief said initial checks have confirmed that maintenance on the apparatus was performed on schedule. Regarding compensation, Mr Kerati did not disclose the offered figure but said discussions have taken place. He said AoT’s insurance should cover the victim’s medical expenses and any damages resulting from the incident.
Meanwhile, Pol Col Adirek Tongkeamkeaw, superintendent of Don Mueang police, said investigators are questioning everyone connected to the case while waiting for forensic test results.
He said police are inspecting the CCTV footage at the airport to see if the accident was caused by carelessness. Staff involved in the accident could face negligence charges.
A son of the injured woman said on Facebook yesterday that she had mentioned that it took a long time before airport staff conducted the rescue operation. “If the staff had proceeded with the rescue more quickly, my mother might not have lost her leg,” he wrote.