An Australian tourist died after his bike crashed and plunged into a ravine around 10 metres deep in Loei province on 4 March 2026, rescue officials said. The incident occurred at about 13:20 on the Tha Li–Phu Ruea road near the boundary between Ban Huai Tio in Lat Khang subdistrict, Phu Ruea district, and Ban Kaeng Muang in Nam Thun subdistrict, Tha Li district. Rescue teams were called to provide high-angle recovery equipment after the motorcycle fell into a dry stream alongside the road.
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The victim was identified as Mr Martin Dean Bradley, an Australian national. He was found lying on his back next to the bike, wearing a blue and white long-sleeved T-shirt, light grey trousers and a helmet.
Authorities also discovered smoke and flames coming from the motorcycle after the crash. Rescue personnel helped extinguish the fire before proceeding with recovery operations in the ravine. The body was later taken for an autopsy at Phu Ruea Hospital.
Police said the deceased was part of a group of tourists riding rented motorcycles from Chiang Mai. The group of riders had travelled to Loei province for a tour. At the time of the crash, about 10 motorcycles were riding ahead while a group of three remained a distance behind.
According to initial investigations, Mr Bradley was riding ahead of the last two trailing bikes when he appeared to wobble, lose stability and lost control. The bike then overturned and fell into the dry stream, a drop estimated at about 10 metres. The two riders behind him quickly descended into the ravine and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but were unable to revive him.
The case has been assigned to investigating officers, who instructed emergency responders to transport the body for forensic examination. Officials have not yet released further details about the cause of the crash.
Multiple rescue units participated in the operation, including Sawaang Khiri Tham Disaster Relief Unit, Ruamjai Loei Rescue Unit (Phu Ruea point), Loei Emergency Rescue Unit, the Kok Yai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation emergency team, and the Ahi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation emergency unit.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, while coordinating with relevant parties and the embassy, regarding the deceased Australian national.
Pictures courtesy of responders
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Adapted by ASEAN Now นนธวัฒน์ วิสุทธิพัฒน์ 5 Mar 2026
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