Woman injured after 40-metre cliff fall while foraging in Kanchanaburi

A 50 year old woman sustained serious injuries after falling from a 40-metre cliff while foraging for bamboo shoots on a mountain in Kanchanaburi. Rescue teams took over 30 minutes to reach and airlift her to the hospital.

At 2.30pm yesterday, September 4, rescue officials from the Phithak Kan Foundation received a report of a severe injury due to a fall from a high cliff. The incident occurred behind the Development Command Learning Centre in Ban Phu Lad, Moo 11, Tha Sao subdistrict, Sai Yok district, Kanchanaburi province.

Upon receiving the alert, more than 20 volunteers equipped with hiking and rescue gear set out on foot to the remote location on the mountain.

Navigating through rugged terrain filled with rocks and dense vegetation, the rescue team faced significant challenges. The trek to the accident site took over 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, they discovered the woman had fallen from a cliff approximately 40 metres high and was stuck on a steep rock ledge, making it impossible to reach her by foot. The rescue team had to rappel down to assist her.

Initial assessments revealed that Aphanthip Duangsung appeared to have suffered a broken back and was unable to move. The rescue team secured her to a board and carefully hoisted her up from the cliff. Subsequently, they carried her down the mountain and rushed her to the hospital.

Aphantip’s husband explained that she is a resident of Tha Makham subdistrict, Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province. He recounted that they had travelled to Sai Yok district to visit relatives and decided to forage for bamboo shoots on the mountain. The incident occurred while they were alone in the forest.

While climbing the mountain to collect bamboo shoots, the couple got separated. Unfamiliar with the area, Aphanthip wandered towards the cliff edge, which was obscured by tall trees and grass, causing her to fall, reported KhaoSod.

Her husband, upon hearing her cries for help, rushed to the cliff and found her at the bottom. He immediately called the rescue officials, leading to her eventual airlift to the hospital.