HAT YAI: A 15-year-old boy relaxing with friends on a 20-metre-high bridge overbalanced and fell down into the concrete-lined canal, his life saved only by a shallow flow of water.
The accident happened on the Khor 9 Bridge across the Puminat Damri canal in Khuan Lang municipality about 10.30pm on Wednesday.
The boy, identified only as Pik, and eight friends had arrived at the bridge on three motorcycles. They lolled against the rail and were horsing around when Pik toppled over and down into the canal.
The water was less than a metre deep. Rescue workers said he was lucky to survive. The shallow water had cushioned his fall before he hit the concrete canal bed.
The youth had a broken arm, cuts and grazes to his face and waist area. He was given first aid and taken to Hat Yai Hospital.
