Ambulance Crash Kills Medic in Uttaradit

A woman was killed when a pickup truck crashed into a tree in Uttaradit, while a second fatality occurred when an ambulance responding to the scene overturned on a rain-slicked road.

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Police and rescue workers were called to the area outside the forestry office in Ban Pang Kluea, Nam Pat district, Uttaradit province, on May 22. Heavy rain had been falling continuously, creating dangerous driving conditions.

A Toyota pickup truck driver reportedly lost control and slammed into a large roadside tree with significant force. The vehicle was severely damaged in the crash.

A 57-year-old woman, named as Am Wongchaibut, died at the scene. Two other people were injured in the collision and were due to receive emergency assistance.

While rushing to help the injured victims, an ambulance from Nam Pat Hospital also crashed. Officials said the vehicle driver lost control and veered off the road because the surface was extremely slippery following the heavy rain.

An emergency medical technician identified as “Khun June”, who was travelling in the ambulance, suffered serious injuries in the incident. Despite efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries.

The double tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief among hospital staff, rescue workers and local residents. The death of the frontline emergency worker was described as a significant loss for the local medical community.

Police officers led by Pol Lt Col Chawanan Sila, deputy investigation inspector at Nam Pat Police Station, attended both crash scenes alongside volunteers from Nam Pat rescue services. Authorities examined the wreckage and gathered evidence as part of the investigation into the incidents.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of either crash, though severe weather and slippery roads are believed to have been major contributing factors. Road safety concerns are frequently heightened during periods of heavy rainfall in Thailand, particularly in rural areas where visibility and road grip can quickly deteriorate.

The Daily News reported that emergency response crews also face increased risks when travelling urgently to crash scenes during adverse weather conditions. Investigations into both incidents are continuing and authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the ambulance crash as part of standard procedures.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 23 May 2026