Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

A 68-year-old man was injured after a small excavator fell from a six-wheel lorry while he was removing a tree stump in Ban Khai district, Rayong, prompting a rapid rescue response. The incident occurred on 9 December 2568 near Ban Nong Khok Moo in Takhun subdistrict, where rescue teams from the Sawang Phra Kuson Foundation were alerted to the overturned excavator with the driver trapped inside. Crews worked for around 20 minutes to free the man, who suffered a puncture wound to the head before being taken to Ban Khai Hospital.

 

The incident happened as the mini excavator was being used for stump extraction while still positioned on the back of the parked six-wheel truck at the roadside. According to a 48-year-old witness, operating the machinery from the height of the lorry caused it to lose balance and fall, leading to the machine overturning. The excavator landed beside the road, trapping the operator in the control cabin until rescuers arrived.

 

Locals who saw the incident told reporters that the operation appeared routine until the machinery suddenly slipped, underscoring the risks associated with machine use. Rescue personnel applied first aid immediately and noted that the man remained conscious despite the head injury. While the incident resulted only in non-life-threatening injuries, it has raised concern about common practices involving machinery on transport vehicles.

 

Naewna reported that authorities and rescue officials said the incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety measures when operating heavy machinery, particularly during roadside or elevated work. They noted that similar incidents can occur unexpectedly if equipment is not properly stabilised. The case is expected to prompt further reminders to construction workers and machine operators about safe procedures to prevent future concerns.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 68-year-old driver was injured when a mini excavator fell from a six-wheel lorry during stump removal in Rayong.

• Witnesses said the machine overturned after losing balance while being operated on the parked truck.

• Rescue teams freed the trapped driver in 20 minutes and transported him to hospital with a head injury.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-12-10

 

Another one....rarely see these diggers chained down on trucks.....steel tracks on steel truck beds.....but being lazy always wins here!

I'm always impressed how the driver's can crawl the machine on and off the transport truck without using ramps.

Really!!!, trying to use the excavator while still on the truck!! Oh what could possibly go wrong!!

Gives a whole new meaning to "It fell off the back of a lorry".