Report Escalator Scare: Suvarnabhumi's Safety System Saves the Day

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Fusion Firesafety

 

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, an unexpected jolt of fear struck travellers when an escalator linking the APM train station to the new SAT-1 terminal ground to a sudden halt late on Wednesday night. The incident, occurring around 11pm on June 11, although momentary, swiftly garnered attention on social media platforms, igniting discussions about the safety protocols in place at Thailand’s bustling international aviation gateway.

 

While the abrupt stop startled many, no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift action of the built-in safety mechanisms. Suvarnabhumi Airport officials acted promptly to allay fears, explaining that the halt was due to the escalator's safety features being activated in response to a mechanical fault. “The system is designed to automatically shut down when detecting any anomalies,” confirmed Suebpong Khamhong, Deputy Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport's Maintenance division.

 

Engineers from Hitachi Elevator (Thailand) Co. Ltd., the contracted maintenance firm, quickly arrived on the scene. Their investigation revealed the cause of the malfunction: a broken screw head had become trapped between two stair treads. This seemingly minor obstruction was enough to lift parts of the escalator and trigger the emergency stop mechanism. “The safety system effectively safeguarded passengers by performing exactly as intended,” Suebpong stated. “No harm came to the passengers, and the issue was resolved with new equipment and thorough inspections.”

 

Even as the fault was being addressed, airport operations soldiered on with minimal disruption. Thanks to another parallel escalator running smoothly beside it, passengers continued their journeys with little inconvenience. Suebpong reassured the travelling public that a dedicated team is always on standby, ensuring the safety and functionality of all vital airport structures are maintained to the highest standards. “Our commitment to passenger safety is unwavering, and we strive to adhere to the most rigorous maintenance protocols,” he added.

 

This incident is a reminder of the intricate safety systems in place at major airports, underscoring their importance in protecting passengers. The Airports of Thailand (AOT), which oversees Suvarnabhumi, reiterated its goal of maintaining world-class services and infrastructure. The latest maintenance event echoes prior lessons learned, including a tragic incident two years ago at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, where a traveller suffered severe injuries on a moving walkway. That event highlighted the necessity of maintaining robust safety measures and has spurred ongoing efforts to enhance and refine protocols across all Thai airports.

 

Suvarnabhumi's resolve to continuously improve and uphold safety and service quality is unwavering. As a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia, the airport strives to bolster its reputation by ensuring passenger security and comfort remain paramount in all operations. With lessons from past and present, the airport continues to march forward, committed to offering a safe and efficient travel experience for all.

 

In essence, while unexpected mishaps like these can spark concerns, they also illuminate the essential function of safety mechanisms, serving as reassurances that airport systems are prepared to protect travellers at every step of their journey.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-13

 

 

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Engineers from Hitachi Elevator (Thailand) Co. Ltd., the contracted maintenance firm, quickly arrived on the scene. Their investigation revealed the cause of the malfunction: a broken screw head had become trapped between two stair treads. This seemingly minor obstruction was enough to lift parts of the escalator and trigger the emergency stop mechanism. “The safety system effectively safeguarded passengers by performing exactly as intended,” Suebpong stated. “No harm came to the passengers, and the issue was resolved with new equipment and thorough inspections.”

Good news for once...

[khunjeff]

Hitachi's safety system, not Suvarnabhumi's, but a good outcome in any case.

[Gandtee]

Wasn't it a loose screw head causing plates to lift that caused an accident and injuries sometime back? Maintenance?

[Drumbuie]

Seven - SEVEN-  paragraphs about a broken airport escalator. Slow news day?