PHANG NGA, Thailand – A three-year-old girl was rescued after spending over two hours trapped inside the spinning drum of a washing machine.
Crawled into the drum while playing
The incident occurred while the child was playing at her family home in Village 3, Kuraburi District. Authorities believe she crawled into the washing machine drum through the opening, but was unable to free herself. Her grandmother stated that the child managed to fit through the opening.
Family members only realized the girl was missing after more than two hours, eventually hearing noises coming from the appliance. By this time, the child was reportedly exhausted.
Rescue team found unconscious child
Rescuers from the Ranong Rescue Foundation, Kuraburi Unit, arrived to find the young girl visibly weak within the plastic drum. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she lost consciousness before rescue efforts could begin.
To avoid delays and prevent further injury, the rescue team made the drastic decision to detach the entire drum unit from the washing machine.
Release only possible at hospital
The bulky machine component, with the child still inside, was immediately transported to Kuraburi Chai Pattana Hospital. There, medical staff administered oxygen and closely monitored the child’s vital signs.
Under controlled conditions, rescue workers meticulously dismantled the plastic drum using specialized cutting and spreading tools. They took great care to avoid injuring the child with the instruments or any splintering material.
Great relief for family and rescuers
A wave of relief washed over the family and the rescue workers upon the child’s safe and careful extrication. Doctors confirmed after an initial examination that the girl was out of immediate danger.
The three-year-old remains under close medical observation at the hospital. Doctors have not released details regarding potential internal injuries or long-term effects from oxygen deprivation.
Warning against underestimated household dangers
During the dramatic rescue, emergency responders issued a stern warning about often-underestimated household dangers. They highlighted how seemingly harmless appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, or chests can quickly become deadly traps for young children.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all parents and caregivers to never leave young children unsupervised near household appliances. The young girl continues her recovery in the hospital after her harrowing experience.