Man severely injured by landmine while foraging bamboo shoots

A man searching for bamboo shoots suffered severe injuries after stepping on a landmine in Lopburi. He managed to call his son before losing consciousness, revealing broken bones and severe wounds.

Rescue units were alerted at 11.05am yesterday, September 1, about a man who had stepped on a landmine at the foot of a mountain in Khao Sam Yot subdistrict, Mueang district, Lopburi. Police officers from Mueang Lopburi Station, along with volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, promptly arrived at the scene.

At the site, they found 36 year old Sakchai with severe injuries to his hands, both feet and body. He was in great pain and was quickly transported to Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital. Initial reports indicated that Sakchai had gone to the area to collect bamboo shoots.

Unfortunately, he wandered into a military zone, which is a restricted artillery firing range. The area is known for having an abundance of bamboo shoots, leading him to accidentally step on a landmine, causing the explosive to detonate and inflict serious injuries.

The military zone, used for tactical and weapons training, has clear warnings prohibiting entry. The general public is urged to heed these warnings and avoid restricted areas to prevent such tragic incidents.

Sakchai’s 17 year old son, Tawan recounted the events.

Landmine explosion

“This morning, my father rode his motorcycle to search for bamboo shoots in the area between Khao Sam Yot and Khok Tum subdistricts. Around 10.05am, my older brother received a call from him saying he had been seriously injured by an explosion and needed help at the mountain’s base. He lost consciousness shortly after.

“Usually, my father and I don’t stay in Lopburi for long periods. We visit occasionally. My father works as a deliveryman in Bangkok. During his days off and the rainy season, he likes to gather bamboo shoots to sell in Bangkok for extra income.

“Today, he was unlucky. We don’t know if he kicked or stepped on the landmine because he hasn’t been able to provide any details yet. The doctors told me his left leg is broken, his left arm wound is too severe for stitching, and he has lost a lot of blood.”

Following the hospital visit, reporters went to the area between Khao Sam Yot and Khok Tum, where the incident occurred. The location is surrounded by mountains and is within a military zone with restricted access.

Investigators from Khok Tum Police Station, handling the case, noted that the injured man might have knowingly or unknowingly entered the live-fire training area. He possibly encountered a shell, and kicked or stepped on it, causing the explosion that led to his injuries, reported KhaoSod.