A 54-year-old woman, Wiparat Yonnawa, fell into a 2-metre-deep manhole in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, on the afternoon of September 2. She remained trapped for nearly 30 minutes until a passer-by noticed her and called for help. Fortunately, she escaped serious injury.
Background
Wiparat Yonnawa was out shopping for groceries near her home in Samut Sakhon, a province along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. As she was returning, she stepped on a concrete cover over a manhole, which appeared normal but gave way, causing her to fall into about 1 metre of water.
Stuck inside for about 30 minutes
Despite her screams for help, no one heard Wiparat initially. She remained trapped for approximately 30 minutes, during which she feared for her life. “Many thoughts went through my head, and I feared I might die there,” she told ThaiRath. She noted that if the water level had been any higher, she might not have survived.
Rescued
A passer-by eventually noticed Wiparat and called for help. One rescuer jumped into the manhole, and a chair was lowered for her to sit on. The rescuers then tied a rope to the chair and pulled both it and Wiparat out of the hole, according to Thaiger.
No major injuries
Wiparat was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for bruises and scratches but had no internal bleeding. The municipality has accepted responsibility for the oversight and paid for her treatment. It is believed that staff may not have securely closed the manhole cover after an inspection or left it ajar to allow for the removal of garbage. All manhole covers in the area are now being inspected to ensure they are properly secured and in good condition.
Future implications
This incident has raised concerns about public safety and the maintenance of infrastructure in Samut Sakhon. The municipality’s prompt response in accepting responsibility and covering Wiparat’s medical expenses is commendable, but it also highlights the need for stricter safety protocols. Future inspections and maintenance will be crucial to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
