Chiang Mai: Fallen tree kills Chinese tourist, injures another

A tragic incident occurred yesterday at a zipline site in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, where a fallen tree injured two Chinese tourists. The Erawan Emergency Response Center received the report at 2.50pm, prompting immediate action from rescuers.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found that a Chinese couple had been struck by a collapsing tree as they were crossing a rope bridge back to the office area from the final zipline platform. The victims, identified as 44 year old Jing and 46 year old Lui, were quickly transported to Doi Saket Hospital.

Eyewitnesses recounted that the tree fell without warning, crushing the rope bridge and causing the couple to fall 15 metres to the ground. The impact resulted in severe injuries for both individuals.

Tragically, Jing was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Lui, who sustained serious injuries including broken arm and leg bones, was subsequently transferred to Chiang Mai Ram Hospital for advanced medical care.

Local officials are investigating the incident, noting that there were no signs of wind or rain at the time that could have caused the tree to fall. The investigation aims to uncover the exact reasons behind the tree’s collapse, ensuring such incidents do not recur.

“It was a shocking and sudden event. The couple had just finished their zipline adventure and were heading back when the tree came down.”

This unforeseen event has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at adventure and tourist sites, especially those involving natural landscapes and structures like rope bridges. Local agencies are now on high alert, and further safety assessments are expected in the coming days to prevent similar incidents in the future, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand set an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourist arrivals for 2024 and is diversifying its focus to niche markets with significant purchasing power, such as young travellers, small meeting groups, and caravan tours.