Freak accident injures Siam Paragon patrons

Sixteen people, mainly children, were injured when a tent at an outdoor event crashed down on them at a Bangkok shopping mall on Saturday.

Strong winds are blamed for the tent collapsing at Siam Paragon shopping mall, according to acting police chief Lt. Gen. Sanit Mahathaworn.

He says the tent flew up about a metre in the air and wooden signs attached to the back of the tent flew off and injured nearby people. Among the injured were at least 12 children between about six and nine years old. They were among dozens of people at a “Pokemon Day” dance party as part of Thailand’s Children’s Day celebrations.

One mother was trying to protect her child, but both received broken legs. They were taken to a nearby hospital along with the other victims. Only two persons were kept in hospital.

In a statement, Siam Paragon said it “regretfully apologised” for the accident on behalf of the event organisers, which included other Thai companies.

Mahathaworn said police would press criminal negligence charges against the owners of the company that installed the tent. They could face up to three years’ prison and a fine of 6000 baht ($165).