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Six-Wheeled Truck Collides with School Vehicle in Kalasin: Eight Injured A six-wheeled truck collided with a school vehicle on Highway 2336, Kalasin Province and resulted in eight injuries. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336917-six-wheeled-truck-collides-with-school-vehicle-in-kalasin-eight-injured/

Picture from responders. In a traffic accident on August 30, a six-wheeled truck collided with a school vehicle on Highway 2336, which connects Nong Phayom to Nam Mon, within the Yod Kaeng area of Nam Mon District, Kalasin Province. The incident occurred at approximately 16:00 and resulted in eight injuries. The collision took place on a two-lane asphalt road that runs through Yod Kaeng village. The road is characterised by a sharp curve and narrow shoulders, which are unusable, making the area particularly hazardous. The truck, which was transporting eucalyptus logs, with a registration number from Kalasin. The school bus was a silver Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup truck, used for transporting students, and the vehicle's registration number is also from Kalasin. A total of eight individuals were injured in the accident and thankfully none of the injuries were fatal. The injured were assessed at the scene and five were taken to Kalasin Hospital, with three remaining in hospital over night, under observation and for further medical care. The weather at the time of the accident was clear with no rainfall, and it occurred during daylight hours. The accident site was a curved section of road near a village intersection, a known risk area for traffic incidents. Authorities, including the Nam Mon Police Station, are currently investigating the cause of the accident, to determine the factors that led to the collision. -- 2024-08-31 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Three Lives Lost in Accident: Grandfather & Grandchildren on Motorcycle Hit by Truck In a tragic accident today, a 60-year-old grandfather, along with his 2-year-old granddaughter and 15-year-old grandson, lost their lives when their motorcycle was struck by an 18-wheeler truck carrying sand. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336916-three-lives-lost-in-accident-grandfather-grandchildren-on-motorcycle-hit-by-truck/

Picture from CCTV moments before the accident. In a tragic accident today, a 60-year-old grandfather, along with his 2-year-old granddaughter and 15-year-old grandson, lost their lives when their motorcycle was struck by an 18-wheeler truck carrying sand. The incident occurred as the trio attempted to make a right turn from a side street onto the main road in front of the speeding truck. The accident took place on the Nakhon Sawan-Chum Saeng road near Village 8, Thap Krit Subdistrict, Chum Saeng District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Upon receiving the report, Pol. Lt. Khamron Chanthit, Deputy Investigator of Chum Saeng Police Station, immediately rushed to the scene. Emergency medical teams were quick to arrive, but unfortunately, due to the severity of their injuries, all were pronounced dead at the scene. The scene of the accident, a three-way junction between the village and the main road, was chaotic. The 18-wheeler truck, bearing the license plate from Nakhon Sawan, remained at the scene, while the severely damaged Honda Nova Tena motorcycle, license plate from Phetchabun, lay on its side. The truck driver, 56-year-old Mr. Chamnarn, stood nearby, visibly shaken. Police officers immediately took him into custody for a blood alcohol test, which returned negative results. He was then taken to the police station for further questioning. CCTV footage revealed that the motorcycle, owned by Mr. Jin, the 60-year-old grandfather, was being driven by his 15-year-old grandson, with Mr. Jin sitting behind the 2-year-old granddaughter. They were on their way to a nearby school when they attempted to merge onto the main road, only to be struck by the sand-laden truck speeding from Nakhon Sawan. During questioning, Mr. Chamnarn stated that he was transporting sand to a construction site in Nong Bua District. He claimed that the motorcycle suddenly pulled out from the side road just 100 metres in front of his truck. Despite his best efforts to brake, the heavy load made it impossible to stop in time, resulting in the fatal collision. For now, Chum Saeng police have charged Mr. Chamnarn with reckless driving causing death. Further investigations will continue before the case is handed over to the court for legal proceedings. -- 2024-08-31 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

There is some negative comments in this topic. Let me give my analysis of the rescue. 1. The crisis side of this response, was very unprofessional and too many top officials making poor statements that raised unrealistic hopes. 2. The safety standards of the construction work is far below western standards. 3. This incident was a tunnel, not a working mine, which had a big impact on the available logistics for the rescue. 4.The initial rescue attempt was by the construction company, who tried the only action available, which was to try to dig the missing workers out. This was not possible because the earth pile was too unstable and the rescue attempt just caused further collapse. 5. If this was a mine, there would probably been access to horizontal drill rigs, which could have drilled to establish contact with the missing workers. But even in a mine this would take 12 to 24 hours to set up. If wider bores were needed, these would have to either been sourced worldwide or constructed, 5 to 7 days minimum. 6, The rescue planning was then given to the specialist teams, SRT, Chinese team and DDPM USAR team. 7. All suitable technology was deployed to locate the missing workers, life detection radar, seismic sound devices, endoscope cameras and K9 teams. 8. The location of the missing was establish, but the readings gave false hope, that movement was detected. This movement could have been from many things, such as vibrations in the tunnels, movement of earth pile, post mortem body gases, animal/rodents, etc. 9. The fallen earth had to be stabilised and this was done by injection of concrete, use of shotcrete and stacking of sand bags. This concrete injection later slowed down process, but had to be done. 10. The initial plan was push a 1.2 m pipe through the fallen soil. This is similar to what can be achieved by using a horizontal drill rig. This started well, but after hitting a solid rock wall in the earth pile the plan had to change. 11. The rescue teams were small, and had to use the work force available, there was no time to change the safety standards, in normal use at the tunnel. 12. Any rescue plan is always under review, and will be changed and developed as the rescue goes on. The teams when faced with new conditions withdrew, discussed and replanned. 13. Any rescue plan was always going to be very limited as the only way to access the workers was through the existing tunnel. There were no top, side or rear options possible. 14. Specialist independent engineering and geo tech experts were on site and advising the rescue teams. 15. The next plan was to manually dig, using metal framed pit prop with a wooden roof ceiling. This was slow, difficult and hot work, but it is the solution that finally allowed the recovery of the workers. 16. Tunnel and mining accidents are fairly rare, but do happened in very country. Yes China and Russia have the worse safety records, but incidents can and do occur anywhere. 17. Many people have experience of working underground, but the skill set and knowledge to plan a very difficult, complex and protracted incident is very different. The roles of a mine ERT (emergency response team) Captain, Superintendent or Manager is very specialised. 18. No additional injuries were reported during the rescue and everyone involved would have worked long exhausting hours. 19. This type of collapse is normally only survivable if the workers are trapped in a space beyond the collapse and not under it. 20. The autopsy reports, I believe, will show that the workers died in the early stages of the incident and no rescue attempt was going to find them alive. 21. All credit to the rescuers for bringing the bodies out, which is not always possible.(i.e Pike River, New Zealand 2010 were the workers who died have never been recovered). This is my personal view, not that of the AN news team.

Rescue Mission Ends, Investigation Underway Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul announced on August 30, the conclusion of the rescue operations at the site of the collapsed high-speed rail tunnel in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The collapse, which occurred four days ago, claimed the lives of three workers, all of whom have now been recovered. The final two bodies were discovered earlier on August 30, following the recovery of the first body the dat before. Medical examinations confirmed that all three victims had perished, with initial reports indicating that the first worker died from asphyxiation. The cause of death for the other two is expected to be confirmed later on August 30, by the Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Minister Anutin expressed his deep condolences and highlighted the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, comprising both government and private sector personnel, as well as volunteers. Despite the complex structural conditions and the dangers involved, the teams worked diligently to ensure the safety of all involved in the operation. The mission was supported by the Council of Engineers of Thailand, whose president, Thanet Veerasiri, provided crucial advice during the past three days. With the conclusion of the rescue efforts, the responsibility for the site has been handed over to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the contracting company. The Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare is overseeing the provision of compensation and legal assistance for the victims' families, in coordination with the Social Security Office and the contracting company. Minister Anutin also thanked Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, and the provincial administration for their leadership throughout the crisis. He acknowledged the contributions of various agencies, including the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which deployed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, and support from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). “This incident serves as a somber lesson for all parties involved. We must study how to prevent such tragedies in the future and develop faster rescue methods. However, I can assure you that every possible measure was taken during these past four days,” Minister Anutin stated. Moving forward, the site will be secured for further investigation by the police and SRT officials to determine the cause of the collapse. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

This video shows the restricted and difficult access the USAR had to use to reach and locate the 2 victims. RPReplay_Final1725000787.mp4

Two Police Officers Escape Serious Injury in Pickup Truck Accident Two young police officers narrowly escaped death after their pickup truck overturned due to slippery road conditions caused by heavy rain, in Pathum Thani Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336850-two-police-officers-escape-serious-injury-in-pickup-truck-accident/

Picture from the accident scene. Two young police officers narrowly escaped death after their pickup truck overturned due to slippery road conditions caused by heavy rain, at 18.00 on August 29.The incident occurred on the Taling Chan-Suphan Buri Road heading towards Bang Bua Thong, in Moo 7, Na Mai Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province. Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerapong Nakwa, an investigator from Lat Lum Kaeo Police Station, received a report about the accident and immediately rushed to the scene along with emergency responders from the Por Teck Tung Foundation. Upon arrival, they found an overturned Isuzu four-door pickup truck, which belonged to the Bang Pla Ma Police Station. The vehicle had crashed into a barrier and then collided with the fence of a local pallet shop. The pickup was severely damaged, with its roof crushed. Two officers were injured in the accident: Police Sergeant Major Natthapong Phongpun, 30, who sustained a forehead injury, and Police Sub-Lieutenant Itthiphon Jirotpakan, 30, who suffered a right elbow injury and neck pain. Both officers were transported to Lat Lum Kaeo Hospital for treatment. Sergeant Major Natthapong recounted the incident, stating that he and Sub-Lieutenant Itthiphon were returning from Bangkok after delivering confiscated goods. They were traveling along Route 346 in Pathum Thani, intending to make a U-turn onto Route 340 to head back to Bang Pla Ma Police Station. Due to the rain, Natthapong was driving cautiously. However, as they reached the accident site, the vehicle suddenly spun out of control, hitting the barrier before flipping over and landing upside down. "Fortunately, local residents rushed to help us out of the vehicle and called for emergency services," said Sergeant Major Natthapong. He believes that the protective amulet of Luang Por Niam from Wat Noi, which he carried in the truck, played a role in their miraculous survival. Residents in the area expressed concern over the frequent accidents on this road, particularly during rainy conditions. They reported that vehicles often lose control on the slippery road surface, leading to injuries, fatalities, and property damage. The road, which has a polished surface, becomes especially dangerous when wet. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

School Van Accident in Nakhon Pathom: Multiple Injurie A school van collided with a tree, along the road leading to the aviation route in Nakhon Pathom Province, leaves 8 students needing hospital treatment. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336844-school-van-accident-in-nakhon-pathom-multiple-injuries/

Picture from responders. A school van collided with a tree, on August 29, at approximately 16.30, along the road leading to the aviation route in Moo 8, Kratib Subdistrict, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province. At the incident scene it appeared that no other vehicle was involved and several students were injured in the accident, with one person, the front seat passenger trapped and pinned inside the vehicle. The accident is under the jurisdiction of Kratib Police Station. Rescue and medical teams equipped with cutting tools were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and release the trapped passenger. Nine people required hospital treatment and were transported to a number of different hospitals. The injuries ranged from cuts and abrasions, to fractured limbs, with one person suffering a serious head injury and suspected fractured skull. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by local authorities. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Ceiling Collapse at Auditorium During Academic Event Leaves Teachers and Students in Shock The ceiling of the auditorium in Kham Khuean Kaeo District, Yasothon Province, collapsed during an academic event, leaving the venue engulfed in dust. Teachers and students attending the event were thrown into panic, with four individuals sustaining minor injuries, including scratches and cuts on their heads and dust in their eyes. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336843-ceiling-collapse-at-auditorium-during-academic-event-leaves-teachers-and-students-in-shock/

Picture from the scene of collapse. In a shocking incident, the ceiling of the auditorium in Kham Khuean Kaeo District, Yasothon Province, collapsed during an academic event, leaving the venue engulfed in dust. Teachers and students attending the event were thrown into panic, with four individuals sustaining minor injuries, including scratches and cuts on their heads and dust in their eyes. The incident occurred while the auditorium was being used to host an exhibition for the "Sufficiency School Evaluation," part of a learning centre initiative aligned with the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in education. The event was attended by Lieutenant Anusit Buahung, the district chief of Kham Khuean Kaeo, along with evaluation committee members, school administrators, teachers, and students. As the evaluation guidelines were being presented, the ceiling unexpectedly gave way, crashing down with a loud noise. The unexpected collapse caused widespread panic among the attendees. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was caused by the accumulation of pigeon droppings, as a large number of pigeons had taken residence above the ceiling. The added weight, combined with the aging structure, is believed to have led to the ceiling's failure. Lieutenant Anusit Buahung commented on the situation, acknowledging that the auditorium had been in use for many years and had deteriorated over time. He noted that a budget request for repairs had already been submitted and was awaiting approval. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bodies of Two Found on Koh Si Chang, Suspected to be Mother and Son The bodies of two individuals were found on the shore of Tha Wang Beach in Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province. The deceased are believed to be a mother and her son Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336840-bodies-of-two-found-on-koh-si-chang-suspected-to-be-mother-and-son/

Picture from responders. In a heart-wrenching discovery, the bodies of two individuals were found on the shore of Tha Wang Beach in Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province. The deceased are believed to be a mother and her son. The woman has been identified as Ms. Pannapha (surname withheld), approximately 40 years old. The young boy, estimated to be around 10 years old, was identified based on identification documents indicating that he resided in Moo 5, Bueng Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The cause of the drowning is currently unknown, and authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was an accident or an intentional act. The police are urgently reviewing CCTV footage to gather more information and ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Fire at Foundry Injures 8 Workers in Samet Sakhon A fire broke out at a foundry in Samut Sakhon this morning, leaving eight workers injured. The incident occurred while workers were sculpting a statue of the deity Sun Wukong (Heng Jia) in preparation for casting. The fire quickly spread to a gas cylinder, leading to an explosion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336838-fire-at-foundry-injures-8-workers-in-samet-sakhon/

Pictures from responders. A fire broke out at a foundry in Samut Sakhon this morning, leaving eight workers injured. The incident occurred while workers were sculpting a statue of the deity Sun Wukong (Heng Jia) in preparation for casting. The fire quickly spread to a gas cylinder, leading to an explosion. At approximately09:30 on August 29, the Khok Kham Police Station's radio communication centre received a report of a fire at a private company specialising in metal casting, located in Moo 7, Khok Kham Subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasop Panjang, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Khok Kham Police Station, and investigators were dispatched to the scene. The fire was reported to be severe, prompting coordination with local fire departments, including those from Khok Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict Municipality, Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Samut Sakhon City Municipality, and Samut Sakhon Provincial Administration. Five fire trucks were deployed to control the blaze. Emergency medical services from the Samut Sakhon Rescue Foundation, Khok Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict Administrative Organisation were also called in to assist the injured workers. Upon arrival, authorities found the fire raging inside the building. Rescue teams worked to extinguish the flames while evacuating eight workers who had suffered burns. The injured were transported to Samut Sakhon Hospital, with initial reports indicating that their injuries were not life-threatening. According to the factory supervisor, the foundry produces a wide range of metal castings, including Buddha images and deity statues, based on customer specifications. Before the fire, workers were engaged in metal welding to shape a statue of the deity Sun Wukong. Sparks from the welding process ignited surrounding material, causing a fire that resulted in burns to several workers. The flames then spread to a small gas cylinder, which could not be removed in time, leading to an explosion. The estimated damage is 10 million baht. The police have requested that the factory supervisor, the company owner, and any witnesses provide further statements at Khok Kham Police Station. Forensic experts will also be involved in the investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Picture of the destroyed statue of the deity Sun Wukong

Tragedy Strikes as Two Teenagers Drown at Pong Din Dam Reservoir Si Racha Two 17-year-old girls drowned on the morning of August 29, at the Pong Din Dam Reservoir in Moo 12, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The girls were part of a group of 14 teenagers who had gone to the reservoir for an overnight outing. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336834-tragedy-strikes-as-two-teenagers-drown-at-pong-din-dam-reservoir-si-racha/

Picture of the location of the incident. In a heartbreaking incident, two 17-year-old girls drowned on the morning of August 29, at the Pong Din Dam Reservoir in Moo 12, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The girls were part of a group of 14 teenagers who had gone to the reservoir for an overnight outing. The group arrived at the reservoir late at night on August 28, to relax and enjoy their time together. At around 06:00 in the morning, they decided to go for a swim and some boating. Two of the boys from the group initially took out a plastic boat measuring 250 by 80 centimetres, paddling around the reservoir while the others played by the water's edge. Later, four of the teenagers, including the two girls identified as Din and Preaw, asked to take the boat across the reservoir, which was approximately 100 metres wide. However, as they were about to return, water began seeping into the boat, causing it to capsize. The two boys who could swim managed to hold onto the boat, but the two girls, unable to swim, tragically drowned before their friends could rescue them. Local police from Si Racha Police Station, along with the Pure Ruam Jai Si Racha rescue team and the village head, quickly arrived at the scene. After over an hour of searching, the bodies of the two girls were recovered from the reservoir, much to the grief of their family members and friends. The bodies were sent to the hospital for an autopsy. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Tragic Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation Concludes: All Three Workers Found Dead After 126 Hours In a heartbreaking conclusion to a 126-hour rescue operation, all three workers trapped inside a collapsed railway tunnel have been found dead. Rescue teams encountered numerous challenges in their efforts to recover the bodies and are now preparing to remove them from the site. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19191785

UPDATE Tragic Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation Concludes: Three Workers Found Dead After 126 Hours Picture showing the access through which the last two bodies were reached. In a heartbreaking conclusion to a 126-hour rescue operation, three workers trapped inside a collapsed railway tunnel have been found dead. Rescue teams encountered numerous challenges in their efforts to recover the bodies and are now preparing to remove them from the site. Ekarach Sriarayapong, Head of the Office of the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the situation. The incident occurred on August 24 at 23:40, when the tunnel collapsed due to a soil subsidence, trapping three workers inside.On August 29, at 11:00, the first body was successfully recovered by the SRT rescue team in collaboration with the Hunan Sunshine Rescue Team from China. Sadly, at approximately 06:00 August 30, two more bodies were discovered. The deceased were identified as Mr. Hu Xiangmin, a Chinese national and supervisor, and Mr. Tong Xinlin, a Chinese national and excavator driver. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to dig through the soil and construct support structures to prevent further collapses as they attempt to retrieve the bodies. The SRT expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and thanked all rescue teams, government officials, and private sector personnel involved in the operation. The collapsed tunnel, part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, is located in the Klong Pai area, near Klong Khananchit in Chanthuek Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The incident has highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams, including ongoing soil slides from the top of the tunnel, which significantly delayed recovery efforts. Rescue operations were also hindered by a rock layer blocking the life-saving pipe, forcing teams to switch to constructing support boxes to stabilise the area and protect against further soil and rock falls. The recovery operation, which lasted 126 hours, has now ended in tragedy. The SRT is committed to supporting the families of the victims during this difficult time. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy Prime Minister Follows Up on High-Speed Train Tunnel Collapse, Encourages Rescue Teams Amid Ongoing Search Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Arsi Sumpantarat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Chaiwat Junthirapong, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, visited the site, at 15.00 on August 29, of the high-speed train tunnel collapse in Moo 2, Ban Thaheep, Chanthuek Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This marks the third consecutive day of their visit as they continue to monitor the rescue efforts. During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin and his team received an update on the operation's progress. He also offered words of encouragement to the rescue teams, who are risking their lives to carry out the mission. Despite not detecting any signs of life from the two remaining victims trapped in the debris, Anutin reassured that the search would continue until the victims are found. Anutin reported that the body of the first victim has been recovered. According to the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the deceased was found outside of a truck, with the cause of death potentially linked to several factors, including dehydration, starvation, and suffocation. The body has been sent to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for an autopsy to confirm the cause and time of death. Regarding the two remaining victims, both of whom are Chinese nationals—a construction engineer and a backhoe driver—Deputy Prime Minister Anutin stated that their locations have been identified. However, the Life Locator, a radar device used to detect movements beneath the debris, has not detected any signs of life, given that the incident occurred over 100 hours ago. This diminishes the likelihood of survival, but the search will continue. Anutin emphasised the importance of safety during this operation, noting that experts, doctors, and rescue teams are working under a temporary structure designed to prevent further collapses. He highlighted the need to adhere to international rescue standards and acknowledged the advice of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanes Weerasiri, President of the Council of Engineers, who provided guidance on the operation. Anutin expressed his gratitude to the rescue teams and workers who have been relentlessly working under dangerous conditions from the beginning. Triyasuli Taisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior, added that all parties involved, including engineers, rescue teams, and medical staff, agreed that to avoid confusion, it is crucial to clarify the role of the Life Locator device. It detects movement, not vital signs, meaning the detected signals could be caused by shifting rocks, soil, or sand, or possibly reactions from the deceased's body. The successful recovery of the first victim's body demonstrated that the device could accurately locate victims. The search for the remaining two victims will continue, utilising both radar technology and K-9 units. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Very few fire services anywhere in the world have long duration breathing apparatus, like BG4, as they are such a specialist piece of equipment. Normally found where you have mines, long tunnels or underground train systems, or where there are long access routes. Life detection radar research is mainly based and tested on collapsed structure rescue, such as building collapse after an earthquake. Using it here is better than nothing, as it has clearly identified the location of the missing workers, but was unable to define if the victim was living or not.

I believe the problem, is that a deep tunnel, like any underground mine is a strange place where sounds are often difficult to define, from echos and background noise. Noise underground is what started the ancient myth of the ‘tommy knockers’. It could also been wishing thinking from the rescue personal, as there was only a very limited access to the vehicle and what was reported by the few rescuers who reach that point could have grown like a ‘ Chinese whisper’ (no pun intended), and details exaggerated as it was passed along.

Good spot. In all other pictures and videos it has clearly been in use. The open end of the ventilation stops short of where the collapsed occurred, which is why I believe these workers were under unsupported ground’. There is no evidence of damaged ventilation ducting on the ground in that area. The only reason I can think of why the ventilation is off, is that the rescue team want a quiet period, all work and workers has been stopped and withdrawn, to allow better readings on the life detector radar and I would assume that seismic sound devices are being deployed. Providing the team has gas meters measuring O2 levels, it is would be safe, as only takes a radio call to turn the ventilation fan back on, if O2 drops. I wonder if earlier false reading on the life detection radar was caused by vibration, post-mortem body reaction or even animal/rodent/insect activity. The video is from the public relations department of Nakhon Ratchasima Province and the official is the Governor, so maybe the team’s deployment was not until the ventilation was turned back on. I am not aware of any Thai rescue teams that have long duration breathing apparatus, such as the Drager BG4.