Picture from responders.

 

A crash claimed the life of a 51-year-old lorry driver when his vehicle collided with the rear of a stationary trailer truck on the Asian Highway in Chainat Province during the early hours of 10 January.

 

The crash occurred between kilometre markers 131-132 on the northbound side of Highway 32, in Suea Hok Subdistrict, Mueang District. Police from Mueang Chainat Police Station, rescue teams from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation, and medical staff from Chainat Narenthorn Hospital responded to the incident.

 

At the scene, authorities discovered the lifeless body of the driver, identified as Mr. Wanchai, a resident of Chachoengsao Province. He was found trapped in the driver’s seat of his 10-wheel lorry, which had been crushed against the rear of the trailer truck.

 

The trailer, which was not carrying any cargo, had been parked on the roadside due to a mechanical issue. Rescue teams used hydraulic cutting tools to extricate Mr. Wanchai’s body but struggled for over 25 minutes as the two vehicles were tightly wedged together. A second truck was eventually used to pull the vehicles apart, allowing the recovery of the deceased.

 

A preliminary medical examination revealed severe injuries, including shattered legs, with the left leg nearly severed, and multiple wounds caused by the impact.

 

The trailer truck’s driver, Mr. Phongsakorn, recounted that his vehicle had broken down, prompting him to park by the roadside while waiting for a mechanic. He said he was resting in the cab when the collision violently shook his truck and sent it skidding over 10 metres. Upon exiting the vehicle, he discovered the 10-wheel lorry had crashed into the rear of his trailer and immediately contacted the authorities.

 

Police have detained Mr. Phongsakorn for further questioning to determine whether the trailer was parked safely with adequate warning signals, or if negligence contributed to the fatal collision. Investigators are reviewing the evidence to decide on appropriate charges.

 

-- 2025-01-11

 

 

Well...the numbers of rear end crashes in Thailand, are probably the highest globally.....