A recent outing to Jewel Changi Airport turned distressing for an unsuspecting family when their six-year-old son suffered a severe injury at the Canopy Park’s Walking Net attraction. On 10 December 2023, while exploring the suspended net, the child lost his balance and fell onto the wooden platform below, resulting in a fractured nose.
A Chilling Incident
The incident unfolded swiftly—Anna, the boy’s mother, recalled, “I just saw him as he was falling; it was too late for me to rush over.” The family, which included the boy’s nine-year-old brother, was enjoying their school holiday when the accident occurred. Anna reported that moments after the fall, her son’s face was covered in blood, prompting immediate first aid assistance from staff members at the attraction.
Medical Response
- The boy was taken to Changi General Hospital but later transferred to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital due to the serious nature of his injury.
- His father, Richard, shared that his son underwent surgery the following day, which involved closing over 30 stitches across the bridge of his nose.
- Richard expressed concern, stating, “Had the hard edges of the wooden flooring been properly covered, this injury could have been prevented.”
Jewel Changi’s Response
In light of the incident, Jewel Changi Airport Development released a statement reiterating the importance of adhering to safety guidelines at the Walking Net. The spokesperson stressed the necessity for adult supervision for children and that safety briefings precede entry into the attraction.
Safety Measures in Place
According to Jewel, all visitors are required to follow posted safety instructions, which include prohibitions against running and rowdy behaviour. Rangers stationed on-site have the responsibility to remind guests of these guidelines.
Future Considerations
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed that the attraction complies with regulations under the Amusement Rides Safety Act. Even so, Richard called for a re-evaluation of safety measures, expressing that the focus should also be on enhancing the safety of the attraction itself.
Moving Forward
As for the young boy, his health is on the mend, and he even made it to the first day of Primary One on 2 January 2024, much to the relief of his family.