Accident Orchard Owner Electrocuted by High Voltage Power Line While Pruning Durian Tree

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 28-year-old orchard owner was electrocuted on the evening of 16 June, after accidentally coming into contact with a high-voltage power line while pruning a durian tree in his plantation in Makham district, Chanthaburi.

 

The victim, Mr Natthanan, was found lifeless, suspended in the branches of a durian tree approximately 6 metres above the ground. The fatal incident occurred in Moo 4, Chaman subdistrict, prompting an emergency response by police and rescue teams from the Sawang Katanyu Dharma Rescue Association.

 

According to police investigator Pol Lt Pramot Khongnantha of Makham Police Station, the man had been working alone in a large section of his family’s orchard when the incident occurred. He had reportedly used a long aluminium ladder to reach the upper branches of the tree, situated dangerously close to 22,000-volt overhead power lines.

 

Rescue workers, after coordinating with the Provincial Electricity Authority to cut off the power supply, climbed the tree to recover the body. The operation was described as difficult and hazardous. The victim had visible burn marks on his arms, legs, torso and his hair had been singed, with strands fused to nearby branches. A four-metre-long aluminium pruning hook and a hand saw were found at the base of the tree, both showing signs of electrical burn damage.

 

His sister told police that she and her brother had worked in separate parts of the orchard earlier in the day and returned home for lunch together. Mr Natthanan had then gone to trim trees in the larger orchard plot. By 19:00, their mother became worried when he hadn’t returned home and went out to search for him. She discovered his body atop the tree, causing her to collapse in shock.

 

Investigators believe that while pruning, the victim accidentally touched or brought the aluminium tool too close to the high-voltage wires, resulting in a fatal electric shock. The use of metal equipment near power lines is suspected to have triggered the electrocution.

 

Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the death. The body has been transferred to Makham Hospital for an autopsy to formally confirm the cause of death.

 

The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by working near high-voltage lines and the need for increased safety awareness and equipment precautions.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-18