Nakhon Ratchasima —
At 11:00 AM on August 29th, 2024, Mr. Ekkarat Sriarayanphong, the Chief of the Governor’s Office of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the rescue efforts for three foreign workers trapped inside a tunnel in Nakhon Ratchasima for nearly five days due to a cave-in.
Thai national media received confirmation from the SRT rescue team and the Hunan Sunshine Rescue Team from China that the first trapped worker has been found deceased. His identity, as of press time, has not yet been confirmed.
The rescue operation faced numerous challenges over the past several days, including continuous landslides within the tunnel that slowed progress. Rescue teams also encountered difficulties when a lifeline tube got stuck in a rock layer, forcing them to switch to constructing a support box to prevent further soil and rock falls.
Despite these obstacles, rescue teams continued to work tirelessly around the clock, with hopes of rescuing the remaining two workers today (August 29th). The SRT expressed deep condolences and committed to fully supporting the family of the deceased.
Acting Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Surapong Piyachote encouraged the rescue teams to remain patient and prioritize safety during the operation. He also directed the SRT to establish a coordination center at the site to assist with the rescue efforts and ensure continuous updates on the situation.
