Thai Construction Officer Buried Alive While Inspecting Drainage Pipe for Repairs

Collapse During Inspection

A municipal construction officer in Chiang Mai died after being buried alive when soil and asphalt collapsed on him during a road inspection.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 10, in the Don Kaew subdistrict, Mae Rim district.

How the Accident Happened

The worker, 56-year-old Prasert Praphrom, was head of the Don Kaew Municipality construction team.

Photo courtesy of Donkaew Town Municipality on Facebook

He had gone down into an excavation site to inspect a leaking drainage pipe connected to the Huai Tueng Thao reservoir project.

While he was inside the pit, the ground above suddenly subsided, causing soil and asphalt to collapse onto him, according to Matichon.

Coworkers used an excavator and dug with their hands to remove the heavy debris. It took more than 20 minutes to free him before he was rushed to Nakornping Hospital.

Severe Injuries and Death

Despite being conscious when rescued, Prasert suffered serious injuries. It is reported that the collapse left him with multiple broken bones, ruptured intestines, and ribs that pierced his lungs and spleen.

Photo via Donkaew Town Municipality on Facebook

He died from his injuries at around 2 a.m. on Thursday, September 11.

Remembered for His Dedication

Prasert had worked with the municipality for over 15 years and was known as a diligent and well-loved colleague.

It is reported that during the rescue, coworkers continuously called his name, and he was still conscious and able to respond before being taken to the hospital.

Municipality’s Tribute

The Don Kaew Municipality posted a statement expressing “deepest condolences” and praised Prasert as a dedicated worker who gave his all until the very end.

The statement also assured that the municipality would fully support his family, according to the Don Kaew Municipality Facebook page.

Family Support and Funeral

Mayor Plakorn Kanthawang stated that Prasert’s family will receive benefits from social security, including:

a funeral allowance of 50,000 baht (approx. S$2,011.38),
an old-age benefit of 90,000 baht (approx. S$3,620.50),
and monthly compensation equal to 70% of his salary for 120 months, about 900,000 baht (approx. S$36,205).
Medical costs from the accident, around 162,000 baht (approx. S$6,516.58), will also be covered.

Due to another funeral in the same village, his body was kept at Nakornping Hospital before being brought home to Don Kaew Village 2 for funeral rites.

Related Flooding in the Area

Authorities said the inspection followed complaints from residents after Tropical Storm Kajiki eroded roads in Huai Tueng Thao, making travel difficult.

Around the same week, the Don Kaew Municipality also warned drivers to avoid Chotana Road and the Chiang Mai 700 Year Road, where floodwaters from heavy rains had yet to recede, according to the municipality’s Facebook page.