Nonthaburi: A shocking incident unfolded on Prachachuen-Nonthaburi Road when a motorcycle plunged into a 5-meter-deep water pipe pit, resulting in serious injuries to a passenger.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the accident at 10:37 PM, showing the motorcycle speeding before falling into the pit, which measured 2 meters wide, 4 meters long, and 5 meters deep. The incident occurred near Soi Pracha Chuen Nonthaburi 4 in the Bang Khen Subdistrict of Mueang Nonthaburi District. The motorcyclist, identified as Mr. Manop, managed to climb out of the pit and seek help. At the time, workers had opened the manhole cover and blocked the leftmost lane with a truck, guiding traffic through the right lane with cones.
Rescue teams arrived on the scene and used rappelling equipment to reach the injured passenger, Ms. Ratchasunee, 49, who was found unconscious with severe head wounds. She was promptly transported to Mongkutwattana Hospital. Mr. Manop, 50, the motorcycle rider, sustained injuries but was able to climb out of the pit on his own.
Following the rescue of Ms. Ratchasunee, officials successfully extracted the damaged motorcycle from the bottom of the pit using ropes and other equipment.
Mr. Manop recounted the sequence of events, explaining that he was en route to drop off his sibling at a nearby condominium. He was unable to see the barrier or the road ahead, leading to the crash into the pit. He managed to climb out, leaving Ms. Ratchasunee unconscious at the bottom.
A nearby worker, who witnessed the incident, acted quickly to assist. He reported observing the motorcycle fall into the pit and initially saw only Mr. Manop. However, upon closer inspection, he discovered Ms. Ratchasunee submerged and unconscious. The worker kept her above water until rescue personnel arrived.
Police have announced plans to summon the construction site supervisor for a thorough investigation to assess whether appropriate warning signs and lighting were in place. Should any safety deficiencies be identified, legal action will be pursued.