Japanese Businessman Dead as Van Crashes Into Toll Booth on Burapha Withi Expressway

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders and CCTV.

 

A crash occurred on the Burapha Withi Expressway at 12:05, on 16th February, when a black Toyota van crashed into a toll booth, resulting in the death of a Japanese businessman and leaving the driver critically injured.

 

The incident took place at the Bang Phli 1 toll plaza on the inbound side towards Bangkok, at kilometre 11 in Samut Prakan province. Authorities believe the driver, identified as 38-year-old Phairoj, may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The van struck a concrete support pillar of the toll booth with great force, severely damaging the vehicle.

 

Emergency responders were quick to the scene, using cutting equipment to extricate the driver, who was trapped in the wreckage. Phairoj was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Inside the van, emergency workers found the body of 57-year-old Soichi, a Japanese businessman and president of a steel manufacturing company based in Chonburi. He was seated in the front passenger seat and was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Security camera footage of the crash revealed that the van was travelling at high speed, with no signs of braking or slowing down before impact. Authorities suspect that the driver fell asleep, leading to the fatal collision.

 

Investigations are ongoing, and the body of the deceased has been sent to Ramathibodi Chakri Narubodin Hospital for further examination.

 

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

[ChrisY1]

Yep.....sure was travelling! Pretty hard not to see these toll booths....but this guy obviously didn't see it!