Driver Stalls in Flooded Railway Underpass, Unaware of Rising Water

A bronze-silver Isuzu pickup truck became stranded in a flooded railway underpass in the Ban Nong Waengrai area of Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen province, after the driver drove through water exceeding 1.2 meters on September 8, causing the engine to stall and water to flood the vehicle. A reporter inspected the scene on September 10 as recovery efforts were underway. The Ban Phai Subdistrict Administration subsequently placed warning signs at the underpass entrance, as floodwater remained at approximately 1 meter due to ongoing rainfall, and coordinated with relevant agencies to expedite water pumping from the tunnel.

Two railway underpasses are currently experiencing flooding: the underpass beneath the dual railway bridge at Ban Nong Waengrai and a location in front of a school at Ban Nong Waengong. Residents affected most severely during school hours must now detour more than 5 kilometers, compared to the normal route of under 1 kilometer. Local resident Peet explained that the underpass flooding is a persistent problem whenever heavy rain falls, worsening after construction completed. When water recedes, algae slicks on the road surface cause motorcycles to skid. Some residents reported that contacting relevant agencies yielded explanations that the flooding is due to heavy rain and theft of electrical wiring and water pumps.

Nai Golf, a Ban Nong Waengrai resident, stated the underpass flooding has persisted for at least three years, causing inconvenience to commuters who must take detours of considerable distance. He urged relevant agencies to pump water from the underpass promptly. Authorities confirmed that criminals have repeatedly stolen electrical wiring from water pump installations and lighting systems, preventing the pumps from operating. Despite rewiring efforts, thieves return to steal copper wire for resale, perpetuating the flooding problem.