Thai woman who plunged into open manhole rescued by volunteers

A Thai woman was rescued after falling into an open manhole.

Wipharat Yolnawa, 54, plunged down the seven-foot opening and landed in a pool of sewage while walking along the pavement in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on September 2.

Footage shows a rescue team winching the shocked woman back above ground using a makeshift pulley made of ropes and a wooden chair.

The resident winced in pain as personnel cleaned the filth off of her with water. She was taken to the Mahachai Hospital for further treatment.

Showing the bruises and abrasions she suffered from the nasty fall, Wipharat said: 'The manhole is located in front of my house. When I stepped on the concrete cover, it suddenly gave way, causing me to fall into the hole. 

'I tried to call for help but no sound would come out of my mouth because I was so shocked. A neighbour later passed by and saw me. She ran to call my daughter, and my daughter called for help.'

Sakchai Nimitpanya, chief of the Samut Sakhon City Municipality, said village staff were earlier instructed to check the drains and sewage pipes as locals braced for the high tide and seasonal floods.  

He said: 'The cover may have been left improperly secured after removing the garbage in the manhole. The municipality has acknowledged the mistake and shouldered the hospital expenses for the injured woman.

'After the incident, I ordered staff to inspect all manhole covers to ensure they are properly closed to prevent similar accidents.'