Two women drowned in Chi river as they tried to rescue their loved ones from drowning

Two women, one of them seven-month pregnant, drowned in the Chi river in Ubon Ratchathani’s Kherng Nai district this morning (Friday) as they tried to help two drowning men.

The tragedy occurred at about 11.30 am when 35-year Ms Sudjai Pansiri who was seven-month pregnant jumped into the Chi river in Ban Kud Kasien to rescue her 13-year old son who was struggling in the river and about to drown.

Then a man, identified as Mr Chaiyan Jinarak, saw the incident and jumped into the river to offer another helping hand.  The boy was rescued but his pregnant mother drowned.

Witnesses said Chaiyan then became exhausted and appeared to be drowning in the mid river, prompting his wife, Mrs Siriyom, to jump into the water to help. Unfortunately, Mrs Siriyom fell into the river channel and drowned by the strong current while Chaiyan managed to swim to safety.

Villagers then organized a search in the river and found the body of Ms Sudjai about 30 metres from where she was last seen while Mrs Siriyom’s body was also plucked from the channel.