Woman, two sons injured by falling arch at Govt House fair for Children's Day

A 35-year-old mother and her two young sons were injured at Government House Saturday when a wooden arch erected as part of National Children's Day festivities collapsed on them.

A gust of wind toppled the arch onto the three at 3.25pm, as they rested behind the structure in the front yard of the Santi Maitree Building. Khon Kaen mother Chutima Ploenwong was knocked unconscious and suffered a back injury, while sons Jessadaporn Khomsing, 10, and Anucha Khomsing, 7, were hurt.

PM’s Secretary-General Suranand Vejjajiva visited the three at Mission Hospital and said his office would take full responsibility for their care. He said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had expressed concern about the three and ordered a fact-finding committee be set up to probe what caused the accident within three days.

PM's Office spokesman Tossaporn Serirak said Chutima had a scratch above her eyebrow and was experiencing back pain. An X-ray result showed a crack on her 12th vertebra, while Jessadaporn suffered bruising and Anucha required three stitches to a head wound. The three remained in hospital last night for further observation.

The celebration saw lots of kids visit Government House, with a long queue forming to sit in the prime minister's chair and many enjoying activities.