Four Dead in Well Rescue Operation: Suspected Suffocation from Accumulated Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Four residents died in Phang Nga province after entering a shallow well to address drought problems, with authorities suspecting asphyxiation from accumulated hydrogen sulfide gas in the confined space.
On April 27, 2569, authorities reported on a tragic incident in Phang Nga province where four residents lost their lives after entering a well to address drought problems. The incident occurred on April 26 when residents descended into the well before losing consciousness and dying within the same well. Provincial Governor Pairat Petchyuwan ordered officials under the acting director of the Phang Nga Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to mobilize rescue teams to the scene.
The incident occurred in Moo 11, Ban Saeng Tharam, Kura Subdistrict, Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province, within an oil palm plantation. The four bodies were found in a shallow well approximately 6 meters deep. Rescue operations were complicated due to the confined space and low oxygen levels inside the well. Officials equipped with specialized rescue equipment were deployed despite the challenging conditions.
Preliminary investigation determined that the victims lost consciousness inside the well, likely due to asphyxiation caused by limited air and insufficient oxygen levels. Rescue teams, with assistance from multiple organizations including Ranong Rescue Foundation and other local units, managed to recover all four bodies.
The victims were identified as Suthon Khokaew (42), Suthad Khokaew (34), Thiridol Chuesang (30), and Khaaha Chuesang (51), all local residents. According to witnesses, the first two victims descended to clean the well before losing consciousness. The third and fourth victims attempted rescue but also succumbed. The fifth victim signaled distress while being lowered by rope and was pulled to safety, while the sixth victim, a rescue worker, experienced similar symptoms but was rescued in time.
Initial assessment suggests poisonous gases such as hydrogen sulfide accumulated in the well over several decades may be responsible. However, authorities will conduct further detailed investigation.
The incident deeply shocked the local community. Officials warned residents to exercise extreme caution when working in confined, poorly ventilated areas without proper protective equipment, particularly during the current drought and extreme heat conditions in Phang Nga. The provincial governor emphasized the importance of health awareness and adequate hydration during this hot season.
