SURIN - A disabled man trying to rescue his dog died in a local weir on Tuesday afternoon, and a village headman trying to save him was also drowned, in Sangkha Buri district.
The double drowning occurred at Ban Nakham weir in tambon Khon Taek, Pol Lt Col Pawaret Krawenkit, chif investigator at Sangkha Buri, said.
The tragedy occured in full view of many residents, about 3.20pm.
The body of Chaiporn Indee, 44, who lost his left leg and whose right leg was deformed, was recovered from the weir before emergency services arrived at the scene. He died trying to rescue his 2-year-old dog from the strong current. The dog survived and was standing next to his body.
Another man, Prakasit Wiwasukhu, 44, the headman of Ban Kham Noi village, was missing after going to Chaiporn's rescue.
His dead body was found shortly after 10pm, about 30 metres from the weir wall. His wife Krongkaew Wiwasukhu and mother burst into tears.
Pornchai Raksaphan, 16, told police he saw Chaiporn arrive at the weir in his wheelchair with his dog that afternoon. Shortly after, he saw the dog fall into the water. Chaiporn manoeuvred his wheelchair up to the edge and then hauled himself into the water to save his dog. Instead, he started drowning.
The teenager said he jumped into the water to help him, but the current was strong and he could not pull him back to shore. He became exhausted, and swam to shore to save himself. The dog also swam to the shore.
Pornchai said he called to other people for help. The village headman arrived and immediately jumped into the water to help Chaiporn.
But after struggling to save Chaiporn he also found himself in trouble in the swift current, started floundering and was swept away, Pornchai said sadly. He felt sorry that he was unable to help the two men.
Kam Samrarnsuk, 48, said he saw Prakasit trying to help Chaiporn for about 15 minutes, before he also became exhausted. Nobody else dared try to save him. The water was flowing too swiftly.
Prakasit's mother, Pui Wiwasukhu, 70, said her son ran to the water's edge after hearing people calling out. She followed him to the weir, which was not far away. She watched helplessly as her son struggled for his life and was swept away, Mrs Pui said, tears rolling down her cheeks
