Thick PM2.5 Smog Causes Driver to Plunge into Deep Pond in Pathum Thani

[Georgealbert]

Pictures from responders.

 

A 51-year-old man had a narrow escaped after his pickup truck veered off a sharp bend and plunged into a deep pond in Pathum Thani. The incident, which occurred in thick PM2.5 smog, has raised concerns over road safety in the area.

 

The incident took place on the western side of Moo 7, Bueng Kho Hai Subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province. The driver, identified as Mr. Ukrit, was able to swim to safety despite his vehicle being completely submerged in the pond, known locally as the “100-Rai Deep Bend Pond” near Khlong 11 Golf Course.

 

Mr. Ukrit recounted the terrifying moment, explaining that he was on his way home to Lam Sai Subdistrict after dropping off his younger sibling. Due to the heavy smog and the lack of warning signs or road signals, he failed to see the sharp bend ahead and lost control of his white Toyota four-door pickup truck (registration from Bangkok), sending it straight into the water.

 

“I managed to stay calm, rolled down the window, grabbed my mobile phone, and swam out,” he said, relieved to have escaped unscathed.

 

Local residents confirmed that crashes frequently occur at this hazardous curve, yet authorities have taken no action to improve safety measures.

 

Mr. Ukrit is urging authorities to address the dangers of the bend, particularly given its proximity to a deep body of water. “This road is extremely dangerous, with a sharp bend leading directly into a deep pond, and there are no warning signs at all,” he stressed.

 

He has appealed to the relevant authorities to install warning signs, barriers, or other safety measures to prevent further accidents.

 

-- 2025-02-16

 

[Geoffggi]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

A 51-year-old man had a narrow escaped after his pickup truck veered off a sharp bend and plunged into a deep pond in Pathum Thani.

 

I am sure everyone with half a brain knows the answer - Drive slower if encountering low visibility conditions.

[flyingtlger]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He has appealed to the relevant authorities to install warning signs, barriers, or other safety measures to prevent further accidents.

 

 

To deaf ears, until a high ranking official has an accident, then and only then will action be taken. TIT......

[harryviking]

🙄Maybe....just maybe.....it would be smart to drive SLOWER when you cannot see the road in front of you very good?? Hmmm....just mentioning it...🤪

[hotchilli]

On 2/16/2025 at 2:03 AM, Georgealbert said:

Local residents confirmed that crashes frequently occur at this hazardous curve, yet authorities have taken no action to improve safety measures.

He's correct, a few road signs would go a long way to notifying people of the sharp curve.

[parallelman]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

He's correct, a few road signs would go a long way to notifying people of the sharp curve.

But they are blaming the 'smog'. If the 'smog' was that thick one wouldn't be able to see the signs anyway...especially if driving too fastin bad conditions.

[PETERTHEEATER]

1 hour ago, parallelman said:

But they are blaming the 'smog'. If the 'smog' was that thick one wouldn't be able to see the signs anyway...especially if driving too fastin bad conditions.

Picky! Picky! 😂

[mrfill]

Thank goodness his mobile phone didn't suffer

[trainman34014]

There always has to be something else that caused it as Thai drivers are perfect in every way !

[IsaanT]

4 hours ago, parallelman said:

But they are blaming the 'smog'. If the 'smog' was that thick one wouldn't be able to see the signs anyway...especially if driving too fastin bad conditions.

Looking at the photo, I'd estimate the visibility to be at least 400 metres, probably more.

I expect the visibility is less of an issue - it's the sharp bend in the road (possibly after a long straight) that might have lulled the driver into a false sense of security.  Chevrons on a steel barrier on the bend should prevent any further accidents (or stop the vehicle from going in the pond).

 

[AgMech Cowboy]

So sad.  People can't tell the difference between fog and smog.

 

I'm hopeful the driver and others will recover quickly and that they've got good insurance.