American breaks spine fleeing from sex attacker

SPH Brightcove Video
An American woman travelling in Thailand has fractured her spine while fleeing from a man who was allegedly sexually harassing her.

KRABI, THAILAND (Reuters) - Hannah Gavios, 23, was treated at a Thai hospital after she broke her spine fleeing from an alleged sex attack.

Thai media say the New York teacher lost her way in the mountainous terrain of Krabi and asked residents for directions.

One man offered to help and led her to a cliff where he sexually harassed her, according to police.

She fought back and escaped, but fell down the cliff.

Rescuers found her the next day.

Park officials also found the suspect and turned him over to the police, where he confessed.

Sexual assault and harassment cases involving tourists are not rare in Thailand.

Officials say they don't have enough manpower to ensure safety for all visitors.

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