Accident Municipal Worker Rescued After Chiang Mai Trench Collapse

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

A municipal worker in Chiang Mai was critically injured on 10 September when soil and part of a concrete road slab collapsed on him during drainage works. Rescuers spent about 30 minutes digging through earth and debris to free the man, who was taken to hospital in a semi-conscious state. The incident occurred at Huai Tueng Thao, Mae Rim district, where urgent work was under way to prevent flooding in nearby commercial areas.

 

The incident was reported at 11:35, to rescue teams from Don Kaew Municipality, supported by neighbouring rescue units. The injured man, around 50 years old, had descended into a roadside trench to inspect drainage pipe installation. Heavy water levels at Huai Tueng Thao had raised concern about flooding risks for local shops, prompting the emergency works.

 

While he was inside the trench, soil and a concrete section of road gave way, burying his body. Initially, only his head and arms were freed using an excavator, while his lower body remained trapped under compacted soil and a large slab. Witnesses immediately called for rescue support.

 

Rescuers worked together to dig through the collapsed earth and manually lift the heavy slab from the worker’s body, from the waist down. The process took around 30 minutes before the man was successfully pulled out. He was conscious but weak and was quickly transported to Nakornping Hospital for emergency treatment.

 

Local officials have not yet confirmed the extent of his injuries. The municipality is expected to review safety protocols at the site to prevent similar incidents. With the rainy season continuing, drainage projects around Huai Tueng Thao are expected to remain a priority.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A municipal worker in Chiang Mai was trapped by a trench collapse during drainage works on 10 September 2025.

• Rescuers freed him after 30 minutes and he was taken to Nakornping Hospital in a semi-conscious state.

• The works were being carried out urgently to reduce flooding risks at Huai Tueng Thao.

 

Related stories:

 

Flash-floods-hit-pattaya-stranding-tourists-and-halting-traffic

 

Teenager-electrocuted-while-pushing-motorcycle-through-flood

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-10

 

 

 

 

[ChrisY1]

Pi**ing rain....standing in mud...and someone goes into a trench.......they probably wonder why it collapsed. Frightening how stupid some people are.

The guy was so lucky!

[NE1]

What do they think Trench boxes are for ?

[roo860]

3 minutes ago, NE1 said:

What do they think Trench boxes are for ?

Certainly not for securing a trench?

[MikeandDow]

Thai have never seen a trench box   safety first   thailand motto  they have the signs