Elderly Disabled Man Dies in Forest Fire in Khon Kaen

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A forest fire in Ban Kho, Mueang District, has claimed the life of an 83-year-old disabled man after flames spread to his home, leaving him unable to escape. Authorities are investigating whether the blaze was deliberately set.

 

At 18:30 on 2 April, Police Lieutenant Pan Sang Phuapho, an investigator from Welu Wan Police Station, received a report of a fatality linked to a fire near a home in Moo 4, Ban Kho Subdistrict, Khon Kaen. Emergency responders, including rescue teams and forensic doctors from Sri Nakarin Hospital, rushed to the scene.

 

The charred body of Mr Sanan, 83, was found lying on his back near a clump of bamboo behind the house. His arms and legs were severely burned. A preliminary examination was conducted before the body was transferred to the Forensic Medicine Department at Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Medicine for further examination.

 

The victim’s 32-year-old son, Mr Chaiya, recounted that his father had been disabled since an accident in November 2024, requiring him to use a walking aid. He lived alone while his son worked during the day, returning home each evening.

 

At around 18:00, Mr Chaiya returned home to find a raging fire engulfing the forest near his father’s house. He rushed inside, calling out for his father.

 

However, upon reaching the back of the house, he found his father had already succumbed to the smoke and flames. In shock, he contacted his employer, who helped alert local authorities. The fire had spread extensively, scorching the area around the house.

 

Police Colonel Pipat Pimklom, Superintendent of Welu Wan Police Station, stated that authorities would meet with local community leaders to discuss preventing illegal forest burning, which has been strictly prohibited by the Khon Kaen provincial government.

 

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire and whether it was the result of illegal agricultural burning. Anyone found responsible will face legal consequences.

 

 

-- 2025-04-04