Durian Warehouse Worker Killed by Train in Chumphon

Picture courtesy of SiamRath.

A 20-year-old man was killed after being struck by a freight train in Lang Suan District, Chumphon Province, in what police believe may have been the result of severe exhaustion after working night shifts at a local durian packing facility.

Police and emergency services were called to the scene at 09:00 on 6 July, after receiving reports of a fatal collision near an illegal railway crossing in Moo 10, Laem Sai Subdistrict. The victim, identified from his ID card as Mr Watthana Bunruedachan, from Ratchaburi Province, was found dead in the grass just three metres from the railway tracks.

He had suffered fatal injuries, including head trauma, a broken right arm and fractures in both legs. Personal belongings, including a black shoulder bag, an ATM card and a quantity of cash, were recovered at the scene. A sealed bottle of beer was also found nearby.

According to Lt. Nattawut Koetsawat, Deputy Inspector of Ban Nai Huta Police Station, the train involved was Freight Train No. 778. The driver had reported seeing a man attempting to cross the tracks at the unofficial crossing point. Despite sounding the horn in warning, the man continued walking, seemingly unaware of the oncoming train.

The train operator attempted an emergency brake, but due to the train’s length and weight, it was unable to stop in time. After the train eventually came to a halt, the operator inspected the area but did not immediately find the body. He was forced to continue to Lang Suan Station to allow a passenger train to pass and later reported the incident, prompting a full investigation.

Local residents told reporters that the deceased was employed at a nearby durian processing plant and often worked overnight. It was common for him to walk to a nearby shop in the mornings to purchase food and alcohol before returning to rest. It is believed that he may have been overly fatigued and distracted, possibly causing him to miss the sound of the train horn.

Police have since notified the young man’s relatives and the body was transported to Lang Suan Hospital.