Three-Vehicle Collision in Trang Claims One Life, Uncovers Smuggled Cigarettes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A three-vehicle collision on the Trang-Palian Road, near Trang Technical College, has left one dead and two injured. The crash also revealed a smuggling operation involving untaxed cigarettes.

 

The collision occurred when a white Honda Accord, travelling outbound from Trang city, veered across the median into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a white Honda Civic. A Toyota van travelling behind the Civic then crashed into its rear. The Honda Accord and Honda Civic sustained severe damage.

 

Police identified the Honda Accord’s driver as a man in his forties, travelling alone. He sustained injuries but remained conscious. The Honda Civic carried two occupants: the driver, a man aged 60, was injured, while his passenger, 60-year-old Mr. Chob Prajongjai from Huai Yot District, suffered critical injuries. Despite efforts by rescue teams to revive him, Mr. Chob succumbed to his injuries at Trang Hospital, becoming the province’s first road fatality of the 2025 New Year’s “Ten Dangerous Days.”

 

The Toyota van’s driver fled the scene. Upon inspection of the van, police discovered it was loaded with tightly packed cartons of Walton-brand foreign cigarettes, suspected to be smuggled to evade tax. The entire vehicle was filled with the contraband.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed the Honda Civic had been travelling from Yan Ta Khao District towards Trang city, followed closely by the smuggler’s van. The Honda Accord, heading in the opposite direction, crossed the median and collided with the Civic, leading to the van rear-ending the Civic.

 

Police have conducted blood alcohol tests on all injured drivers. The smuggled cigarettes and the van have been secured at Trang Police Station. Officials from the local excise department are set to conduct a detailed inventory of the cigarettes, including their quantity and estimated value.

 

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage near the crash site to identify and apprehend the van’s driver and any accomplices. Investigators are also working to trace the smuggling network’s origin, destination, and participants. 

 

-- 2025-01-05

 

 

[JoePai]

Talk about wrong place wrong time !