Report Four Students Rescued from Faulty Lift in Phatthalung

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a tense episode in Phatthalung, four female students, including a seven-month pregnant woman, found themselves trapped in a college lift for nearly an hour. The lift malfunctioned between the first and second floors as they headed to the library on their day off for sports event preparation.

 

Upon receiving the distress call, the local rescue services rushed to the scene. However, proceedings hit a snag when a college teacher intervened, expressing concerns about potential damage to the lift during the rescue and citing insufficient repair funds. The decision was made to await the arrival of the college’s designated technician instead.

 

As the minutes ticked by, the situation became increasingly urgent. In a bid to resolve the issue swiftly, the rescue team coordinated with a lift technician from Phatthalung Hospital. Yet, it was ultimately the college’s official technician who managed to rectify the problem, opening the lift within ten minutes upon arrival.

 

Thankfully, all students emerged unharmed, though visibly shaken. The trapped group had been using the lift to access the library—a task intended to be straightforward but that day proved otherwise due to the lift's recurring issues.

 

Concerns have been raised regarding the lift’s frequent malfunctions. Despite regular breakdowns, the college had continued its use without placing warning signs or taking remedial actions. Such neglect calls the administrative practices into question, prompting urgent calls for inspections and improvements.

 

This incident highlights not just the immediate risk to student safety but also the necessity for pre-emptive maintenance and clear protocols in educational institutions. The delay caused by administrative hesitation might have led to more serious consequences, especially given the vulnerable condition of one of the trapped students.

 

As the college faces scrutiny, stakeholders including students and parents have started demanding a thorough review of the institution's safety procedures to prevent future mishaps. The matter has also brought to public attention the need for clearer regulations governing the maintenance of safety-critical equipment in educational settings across the region.

 

In the aftermath, the college has assured a full inspection and maintenance scheduling for its lifts to avoid future incidents and ensure the safety of its students and staff. Meanwhile, discussions about improving emergency protocols are underway, aiming for a more proactive approach in similar situations. The community watches closely, agreeing on the vital importance of prioritizing safety above budget constraints.

 

The broader lesson resonates across educational facilities: when it comes to student safety, preparedness and vigilant maintenance can never be compromised.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-13