CHIANG MAI – A devastating household accident claimed the lives of a mother and her son last night in Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong district after a faulty water heater leaked a fatal electrical current .
The tragedy unfolded at around 7:55 PM on June 10, 2026, at a family residence in Pang Yang village, Baan Pong sub-district. A third family member, identified as the daughter-in-law, suffered severe injuries while trying to save them and remains hospitalized.
According to reports from local emergency services, the Chiang Mai Provincial Command Center dispatched rescue volunteers and medical teams to the rural home immediately after receiving an urgent call.
Upon arrival, rescue personnel discovered a heart-wrenching scene inside the family property:
- The Mother:An estimated 60-year-old woman was found collapsed inside the bathroom, completely unconscious.
- The Son:A man in his 40s lay unresponsive near the bathroom doorway.
- The Daughter-in-Law:A third victim was found conscious but suffering from severe electrical burns and shock nearby.
Both the mother and son showed no signs of life and lacked a pulse when the emergency crews first reached them.
Fatal Rescue Chain Reaction
An initial investigation by local authorities reveals that the tragedy began while the elderly mother was taking a shower. A sudden electrical leak from the home’s water heater struck her, causing her to collapse instantly onto the floor.
Hearing unusual noises and cries for help, her son and daughter-in-law rushed toward the bathroom to assist. Unfortunately, because the electrical current was still actively charging the wet floor and fixtures, both individuals were immediately electrocuted upon touching the area.
First responders immediately initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on the mother and son. Despite the rescue team’s exhausting efforts to revive them, the electrical shock proved too powerful. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
While emergency crews worked on the scene, an advanced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team from Hang Dong Hospital arrived to provide critical support.
Safety Investigations Underway
Medical staff focused on stabilizing the surviving daughter-in-law. Rescuers carefully evacuated her from the dangerous zone and transferred her to a high-level EMS ambulance en route. She was rushed into the emergency department at Hang Dong Hospital, where doctors are currently treating her injuries.
Meanwhile, local police and electrical experts have cordoned off the home. A specialized team will inspect the water heater’s wiring, grounding system, and safety switches to pinpoint exactly why the failure occurred.
Tragedies involving water heaters are a recurring concern in Thailand, particularly during seasons with heavy rain or high humidity.
Safety experts urge residents to regularly test their Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) and ensure proper grounding wires are installed by certified professionals to prevent future loss of life.
