Trapped Amid Rising Floods
On Sunday night around 9:00 PM, 25-year-old security guard Komwisan and a colleague were heading for a late-night snack along Sriwareenoi Road in Bang Chalong. Torrential rain had left the street submerged, obscuring the sidewalk. Suddenly, Komwisan stepped on a broken drain cover, fell in, and became trapped as floodwaters surged around him.
Swift Rescue Effort
Police received the emergency call and alerted the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue team. They found Komwisan sitting on the curb with his left leg stuck in the grate. Using a hydraulic jack, rescuers lifted the cover and freed his leg before providing first aid and transporting him to Bang Phli Hospital. His condition was reported as stable.
Hidden Hazards Under Floodwater
The incident underscores a common danger in flooded urban areas: damaged drain covers hidden beneath water. “You simply cannot see where you step,” a paramedic explained. Rescue teams warned pedestrians to avoid walking through unfamiliar flooded areas, especially at night when visibility is poor.
Calls for Action
Local residents and business owners are urging authorities to inspect and maintain drain covers regularly. One shop owner emphasized, “This could have been fatal.” Officials are reminded that stronger currents or higher water levels could have led to a tragic outcome before help arrived.