Couple falls to their deaths in Chai Nat rice field well
A couple lost their lives after falling into a 10-metre-deep well in a rice field in the central province of Chai Nat. The husband initially descended into the well but succumbed to a lack of oxygen, prompting his wife to attempt a rescue, ultimately resulting in both their deaths.
The distressing event was reported to the local police late last night. Charoenrit Thorasinh, a deputy investigator from Nang Lue Police Station, was alerted about the fatalities in a deep well situated amid a rice field in Nang Lue subdistrict, Chai Nat province at 11.30pm yesterday, November 13. Coordination with the Chai Nat Provincial Volunteer Foundation was also initiated to address the situation.
The accident site was located approximately 1 kilometre into the rice fields, requiring the responders to drive along a narrow path before proceeding on foot for another 100 metres. At the bottom of a 10-metre-deep well, the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered, lying one over the other.
Preliminary investigations identified the victims as 53 year old Poom and 50 year old Wongduan, who were husband and wife. The wife had gone down to assist her husband after he encountered difficulties, leading to this unfortunate outcome.
Due to the depth of the well and the lack of appropriate equipment, the volunteers were unable to retrieve the bodies immediately. They had to request additional support and tools from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. However, because of the late hour and the absence of specialist personnel, the recovery of the bodies was postponed until this morning, November 14.
A witness, 30 year old Piraphon, revealed that the couple had gone to work on a roof to provide shade and shelter for their tractor, which was used to pump groundwater. They likely descended into the well to fix a dislodged belt.
It is believed that Poom went down first and was unable to manage, prompting Wongduan to follow him in an attempt to help, leading to the tragic incident. Piraphon explained that he went in search of them because they usually did not take their vehicle out due to the difficult terrain. Concerned about their prolonged absence, he decided to check on them.
Wongduan’s father, 74 year old Boonmee, shared that he had been assisting with the roof construction for the tractor. He assumed the couple would not enter the well, so he turned his attention to another part of the field. However, when his grandson returned from spraying pesticides and found it late, he inquired about their whereabouts, initially thinking they might be resting in another part of the field.
Upon realising that the couple had not come for dinner, he rushed back to the site, where he discovered their parked truck and feared the worst. Hastening to the well, they found both Poom and Wongduan had already died. Boonmee expressed his fear that his grandson might descend into the well too but assured that he had been warned against doing so, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why do seemingly routine tasks in agriculture often pose hidden dangers?
Agricultural tasks can involve hazardous environments and equipment, where unexpected issues like lack of oxygen or structural instability can lead to tragic accidents.
How can rural communities improve safety measures to prevent similar incidents?
Implementing routine safety training, providing proper equipment, and raising awareness about potential hazards can help prevent such incidents in rural areas.
What if local authorities responded to emergencies with more immediate resources?
Rapid response with adequate resources might reduce fatalities by addressing situations before they escalate, potentially saving lives in emergencies.
How does community mourning reflect the broader impact of tragic accidents?
Community mourning signifies the deep emotional and social impact on connected individuals, emphasising the importance of community support during times of loss.
What lessons can be learned from the delay in the recovery operation?
The delay highlights the need for better preparedness and resource allocation in handling emergencies, ensuring swift and efficient rescue operations.
