Picture courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

A 54 year old woman, identified as Mrs. Wiparat, narrowly escaped serious injury, on September 2, after accidentally falling into an open drainage system on a footpath along Setthakit Road, near Mahachai in Samut Sakhon. The incident occurred just before the Big Song Overpass.

 

Emergency responders from Mahachai Hospital, Jesada Medical Center, and rescue volunteers from the Samut Sakhon Charity Foundation were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident.

 

Upon arrival, they found Mrs. Wiparat exhausted and trapped within the drainage system, which measures approximately one metre in width and two metres in depth. The drain had nearly a metre of very murky water inside, leaving her drenched from head to toe. Fortunately, she sustained only minor physical injuries, though she was visibly shaken and weak.

 

 

Mr. Sakchai Nimitpanya, Deputy Mayor of Samut Sakhon Municipality, who oversees the area, arrived on-site to oversee the rescue operation. He promptly instructed municipal engineering staff to assist in lifting Mrs. Wiparat out of the drain. The rescue was successful, with Mrs. Wiparat suffering only minor cuts and bruises. However, she remained in shock and was too weak to stand.

 

The authorities provided her with clean water to wash off before she was rushed to Mahachai Hospital for further medical evaluation. The Samut Sakhon Municipality has assumed responsibility for all medical expenses.

 

Mrs. Wiparat explained that the drain is located right in front of her house. She had stepped on what she believed was a secure concrete cover, only for it to collapse, causing her to fall in along with the cover itself. Too shocked to cry out for help, she remained trapped until a passerby noticed and alerted her daughter, who then called for assistance.

 

Mrs. Wiparat's daughter stated that the family was inside their house at the time and was unaware of the incident until informed by a concerned neighbor. She also mentioned that the cover is usually secure, but it may have been improperly placed after being opened earlier in the day.

 

Deputy Mayor Sakchai revealed that a preliminary investigation suggested that municipal workers had been inspecting the drainage systems that morning in preparation for potential flooding caused by rising sea levels. It is believed that the cover was either not securely replaced or left slightly ajar to allow for further cleaning, which led to the unfortunate accident. 

 

The Samut Sakhon Municipality has acknowledged the oversight and has taken full responsibility. They have also ordered an immediate inspection of all drainage covers in the area to ensure they are properly secured, with a directive to prevent any such incidents in the future. An internal investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause and hold those responsible accountable.

 

 

-- 2024-09-03
 

 

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Take responsibility? Does that mean he will pay compensation? Medical costs? Cleaning bills? Mental anguish from fears of walking on the street anymore? Haha

Well done to the Deputy Mayor for instructing the rescue team to lift the lady out of the drain....😋

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The Samut Sakhon Municipality has assumed responsibility for all medical expenses.

And compensation....

10 minutes ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Well done to the Deputy Mayor for instructing the rescue team to lift the lady out of the drain....😋

I can envisage the deputy making all the way to the the top position one day.

This video courtesy of Khoasod shows the woman in the drain.