CHIANG RAI — A man and a woman riding a motorcycle narrowly escaped disaster late Saturday night when their vehicle veered off course and plunged into a deep, unmarked construction pit in Mae Chan district in Chiang Rai Province.
The incident happened at 11:12 PM on June 6, 2026, directly in front of the Mae Chan District Agricultural Office in Ban Dong, San Sai sub-district. Local emergency services responded quickly to pull both riders out of the hole. Miraculously, neither person suffered major injuries, and both declined a trip to the local hospital.
According to local reports, the Sangtham Mae Chan Rescue Foundation received an urgent notification regarding the accident from the 1669 Emergency Medical Coordination Center.
A rescue team, complete with an ambulance and specialized retrieval gear, was dispatched to the scene immediately. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the male driver and his female passenger trapped inside a deep pit dug for ongoing roadworks.
Quick Extraction by First Responders
The rescue team set up a hauling system to safely hoist the two victims from the construction site.
- Victim Extraction: Responders lowered themselves into the excavation site, secured both individuals, and brought them to the surface without further incident.
- Vehicle Recovery: Using heavy ropes, team members manually pulled the damaged motorcycle out of the trench.
- Medical Assessment: Paramedics on the scene checked both riders for broken bones or head trauma.
“Both individuals were incredibly lucky,” a responding volunteer noted. “Falling into an open pit at night often leads to severe trauma, but they walked away with only minor scratches.”
Safety Concerns Raised Over Unlit Roadworks
Because the victims did not wish to go to the hospital, local authorities turned their attention to the hazards of the road itself. The area around the Mae Chan District Agricultural Office is currently undergoing infrastructure upgrades, leaving several sections of the road vulnerable to traffic accidents.
The emergency team used this incident to remind the public about the dangers of night driving, especially in rural areas where construction zones may lack bright warning lights or proper barriers.
| Risk Factor | Danger Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Night Driving (Post-Midnight) | High | Reduce speed by 20 km/h; use high beams when clear. |
| Active Construction Zones | Very High | Watch for reflective cones and sudden lane shifts. |
| Unpaved Pitfalls / Trenches | Critical | Maintain a safe following distance to spot road changes early. |
Local police are expected to look into whether the construction firm responsible for the site deployed adequate safety signage, warning tape, and flashing lights to protect motorists after dark. For now, drivers heading through the San Sai sub-district are urged to slow down and stay alert.
Trending Chiang Rai News:
