Thai 'Spider-Man' to the rescue

 In: News > 2009
 Posted: 2009
 Staff: Tommy Wilson (E-Mail)

According to a BBC report, an unusual (but familiar) superhero disguise helped a fireman in Bangkok rescue an autistic eight-year-old boy who had climbed on to a third-floor window ledge.

According to the Thai police:

The firefighter dressed up as the comic book superhero Spider-Man in order to coax the boy, who is autistic, from his dangerous perch.

Police said teachers had alerted the fire station after the boy began crying and climbed out of a classroom window.

It was reportedly his first day at the special needs school.

Efforts by the teachers to persuade the pupil to come back inside had failed.

But a remark by his mother about his passion for comic superheroes prompted fireman Somchai Yoosabai to rush back to the station, where he kept a Spider-Man costume in his locker.

The sight of Mr Somchai dressed as Spider-Man and holding a glass of juice for him, brought a big smile to the boy's face, and he promptly threw himself into the arms of his "superhero", police said.

Mr. Somchai normally uses the costume to liven up fire drills in schools.

 In: News > 2009
 Posted: 2009
 Staff: Tommy Wilson (E-Mail)