Infrastructure Worker Dies After Being Buried Alive by a Collapsed Road He Was Inspecting

Infrastructure Worker tragically dies after road collapses while on inspection duty

An infrastructure worker, Praset Praphrom, lost his life after being buried alive by a collapsed road he was inspecting in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The incident occurred on September 10 and left Praphrom pinned under soil and concrete following the collapse. Emergency responders and a rescue crew immediately rushed to the scene, using an excavator to remove debris and soil to rescue the worker. It took an agonizing 20 minutes to free Praphrom, who was then provided with medical attention before being transported to Nakornping Hospital for further treatment. Despite the efforts, Praset succumbed to his severe injuries and passed away on September 11.

Praset Praphrom, who had been a dedicated head of the construction department at Don Kaeo Municipality for over 15 years, was known for his hard work and was cherished by his colleagues. The tragic incident unfolded while he was part of a team sent to inspect roadways in Huai Tueng Thao that had been affected by recent floods caused by tropical storm Kajiki. Apart from inspections, he was also involved in installing new pipes in the area. Plakorn Kanthawang, the mayor of Don Kaeo Municipality, expressed deep sorrow over Praset’s untimely passing and assured full support to his grieving family.

Local authorities and relevant organisations are set to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapsed road, with a focus on ensuring such tragedies are preventable in the future. The Don Kaeo Municipality has pledged to extend all necessary assistance to the family of the deceased worker as they navigate through this difficult time.

The loss of Praset Praphrom underscores the dangers faced by infrastructure workers who often work in precarious conditions to ensure the safety of roads and structures. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in such professions and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring again. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated worker who contributed significantly to the development of the region over the years.

As Praset’s body is scheduled to be released for his final rites, the residents of Chiang Mai Province join hands in offering prayers and support to his family. The funeral proceedings are set to take place at his home in Don Kaeo village, where friends, colleagues, and well-wishers will bid a heartfelt farewell to a man whose dedication and commitment left an indelible mark on those around him.

The tragic demise of Praset Praphrom serves as a sombre wake-up call for authorities and construction companies to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of workers engaged in infrastructure projects. The loss of a valuable life underlines the need for stringent safety protocols and regular inspections to avoid such devastating incidents in the future. Let us honour the memory of Praset by ensuring that adequate measures are in place to protect the lives of those who dedicate themselves to building and maintaining our essential infrastructure.