Tragic Accident: Woman Dies After Falling into Septic Tank in Phitsanulok

Picture courtesy of Phitsanulok Hotnews

In a heartbreaking incident in Phitsanulok province, a 65-year-old woman named Sa-ing tragically died after falling into a septic tank at her home. The discovery was made by her granddaughter, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

Police Colonel Chanasak Phueanghuengkaew from Wang Thong Police Station received the report at 6.25 pm on May 5, concerning a deceased woman found in a septic tank at a residence in the Mueang Phitsanulok district. Emergency services from the Burapha rescue unit were promptly dispatched.

The incident occurred at a single-storey concrete home with an adjacent old septic tank. Sa-ing was found head-first within the 3-metre deep septic tank, tragically submerged in waste. Rescue teams carefully retrieved and cleaned the body, estimating that she had been in the tank for at least three hours before being discovered.

Early investigations suggest that Sa-ing was alone at home when the accident happened. She had gone outside to collect dried mango sheets from beside the house just as the weather turned cloudy. Unfortunately, the cover of the septic tank, weakened over time, gave way beneath her, causing her to fall and become trapped in the tank, leading to her drowning.

Later that evening, her granddaughter returned home and, upon finding no response to her calls, searched the premises, discovering the tragic scene. Grief-stricken relatives immediately contacted the police.

Authorities, expressing condolences to the family, have noted the essential task of ensuring older structures like septic tanks are regularly inspected for safety. A police investigation is underway to conclusively determine the event's circumstances, adhering to legal protocols. Sa-ing’s body will soon be returned to her family for the observance of religious rites, offering them an opportunity to mourn their loss.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-06