Military parachutist in coma after landing on high voltage lines in southern Thailand

 

Image: Thai Rath

 

A trainee army parachutist is in a coma after he landed on high voltage wires causing a transformer to explode.

The horrific moment was captured on a dash cam of a passing car as the transformer exploded and the soldier fell to the ground.

The incident happened outside the Monthon Army base 41in Ban Cha-ian district of Nakorn Sri Thammarat.

An unnamed army spokesman said that parachutists were in training and the flight concerned was the fifth and last of the day to take off from Nakorn Sri Thammarat Airport.

The parachutists were set to land in a designated area on an army runway.

After jumping from the army C 130 plane the soldiers were doing a synchronized formation exercise but one of the trainees got detached from the group and lost control in the wind.

He landed on power poles and a transformer exploded injuring him severely.

He was first treated at the Vachirawuth Camp hospital before being transferred for treatment in Hat Yai, Songkhla.

Thai Rath said in their headline that he was in a coma.

Footage from the car was posted on the "Minnie May" page on Facebook.

Footage of the training leading up to the accident was posted on a page with the name "Wathanya Kaetkaew" (transliterated from Thai language).

Our still picture from the dash cam footage shows the transformer exploding at 4.28pm on Thursday.

 

Source: Thai Rath

 

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2017-07-22

Accidents happen I suppose, and I feel sorry for the young trainee, but the headline sparks some vague connection in my mind, now what was it, oh I remember -  "Para-troopers to train Phuket parasailing operators".

As a former paratrooper with Uncle Sam, I would think that whoever planned this tragic jump was unfortunately in the wrong. No way should a jumper in training, have a chance to come close to any power lines, regardless of the wind.

5 hours ago, missoura said:

As a former paratrooper with Uncle Sam, I would think that whoever planned this tragic jump was unfortunately in the wrong. No way should a jumper in training, have a chance to come close to any power lines, regardless of the wind.

Well looking at the photo, it looks like he will have to be known as Gordon henceforth

6 hours ago, nausea said:

Accidents happen I suppose, and I feel sorry for the young trainee, but the headline sparks some vague connection in my mind, now what was it, oh I remember -  "Para-troopers to train Phuket parasailing operators".

 ! sad way to go  " 

4 minutes ago, Mad mick said:

 ! sad way to go  " 

Yes, but its best for training exercises to be conducted in a TRAINING area where high voltage cables dont exist

Well thats what I think anyway

1 hour ago, oldlakey said:

Well looking at the photo, it looks like he will have to be known as Gordon henceforth

Explain. Sorry. It's gone over my head.

2 hours ago, Mad mick said:

 ! sad way to go  " 

he's not dead yet, hope he pulls through, often being in a coma can actually help someone survive an incident like this

Very sad indeed. Does anyone think PM Prayut cares a hoot?

He should have bought his parachute wings from the local military medal and badge shop like everyone else in the military and para military.

2 hours ago, Gandtee said:

Explain. Sorry. It's gone over my head.

I am sure that you already know why he referred to "Gordon", but for anyone who did not, he was referring to "FLASH GORDON"

3 hours ago, Gandtee said:

Explain. Sorry. It's gone over my head.

Flash any help

Yes I know I am not showing much quality, give it your best shot I wont report your post I deserve it

11 hours ago, missoura said:

As a former paratrooper with Uncle Sam, I would think that whoever planned this tragic jump was unfortunately in the wrong. No way should a jumper in training, have a chance to come close to any power lines, regardless of the wind.

 

This is Thailand , not the west . Don't expect any planning ahead. 

"...Monthon Army base..."   Are you sure? Could it be Monty Python army base? 

 

Hope the trainee has a full a quick recovery.

For the love of all. Please stop the paratrooper program. Someone is always dying or severely injured. A total waste of resources and lives. 

Truly sad accident and such accidents or drifting from the target landing zone due to wind is common. Hope he survives.