Pictures courtesy of NBT

 

A 29-year-old man was killed on 9 December after being struck by a falling rock caused by a routine blast at a quarry on Khao Run in Moo 5, Phanom Wang Subdistrict, Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung. The incident occurred between 17:00 and 17:15, when daily explosions are typically carried out at the site. The victim, Rittakiet Chaothonglang, who was not a quarry worker, died instantly while climbing the hill to film video footage.

 

Witness Nanthawat “Taeng” Linma, 25, told officials that he and the victim had parked their motorcycle by the roadside before climbing around 30 metres up the hill to observe the area after heavy rainfall. He said Rittakiet was recording video while he himself was bending down to collect mineral fragments of interest. He stated that he did not hear any warning signals before the blast.

 

According to Nanthawat, a loud explosion was followed by strong vibrations that dislodged multiple rocks from the mountainside. He said he took cover in a rock crevice and shouted for his friend to hide, but when he turned back he saw Rittakiet being struck and tumbling down the rocks. He carried the victim down the hillside but found he had already died from severe blood loss, prompting him to alert authorities and family members.

 

A site manager responsible for the detonation told police that all required warning signals had been activated: three 30-second alerts followed by a long siren prior to the explosion. He added that the area had been inspected beforehand and no individuals were detected, as the pair’s motorcycle had been hidden in vegetation, leaving staff unaware that anyone was on the hillside.

 

NBT reported that police collected evidence, examined the blasting procedure and taken statements from those involved while awaiting autopsy results. Investigators will determine whether negligence or legal violations occurred, with charges to be filed if wrongdoing is identified. Further findings are expected once all assessments are complete.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 29-year-old man died instantly after being hit by a falling rock during a routine quarry blast in Phatthalung.

• A friend who accompanied him said he heard no warning signals before the explosion, while quarry staff claimed all alerts were properly sounded.

• Police are reviewing procedures, evidence and autopsy results to assess potential negligence or legal breaches.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from NBT 2025-12-11

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A 29-year-old man died instantly after being hit by a falling rock during a routine quarry blast in Phatthalung.

 

Why don't they use rubber mats to  cover the blasting area? Amateurs!