Accident Grandmother and Grandson in Critical Condition After Falling Into Wastewater Pond

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A grandmother and her 8-year-old grandson are in critical condition after falling into wastewater treatment pond in Chaiyaphum province, following a visit to a local temple.

 

The incident occurred around 12:20 on 11 July, at a municipal wastewater treatment site in Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang Chaiyaphum district. Police Lieutenant Patcharapath Wongpan, deputy inspector of Mueang Chaiyaphum Police Station, received a report of a drowning and immediately coordinated with the Sawang Khunatham Chaiyaphum Rescue Foundation’s dive team to assist in the emergency.

 

At the scene, emergency personnel found a blue-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle with a Chaiyaphum license plate parked near the edge of the treatment pond, which is over four metres deep. No individuals were visible nearby, prompting rescuers to begin underwater search efforts.

 

Divers recovered the bodies of the 55-year-old woman, later identified as Mrs. Chaweewan and her young grandson from the bottom of the pond. Both victims were found to be alive but unresponsive, with faint pulses. On-site personnel administered emergency first aid before rushing them to Chaiyaphum Hospital for further treatment. Both remain in critical condition.

 

According to the woman’s husband, the family had attended a religious ceremony in observance of Asalha Puja earlier in the day. His wife and grandson later stopped by the pond, a spot she reportedly visited often to fish, while he returned home due to a stomach ache. He was later informed by authorities of the incident and immediately went to the hospital.

 

Police have not ruled out any potential causes of the incident. Lieutenant Patcharapath confirmed that investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to determine how it occurred.

 

Initial reports suggest that the young boy may have slipped and fallen into the pond, with his grandmother diving in to rescue him but becoming trapped herself due to the depth and hazardous nature of the site. As no one witnessed the incident firsthand, there was no immediate help available.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-12