Pickup Truck Plunges into Canal, Driver Missing

Picture from responders.

Authorities in Nonthaburi are investigating a mysterious incident where a Toyota Vigo pickup truck was found partially submerged in a canal, with no sign of the driver or any passengers. The vehicle was discovered early morning on 22 February under a U-turn bridge on Chaiyaphruek Road in Pak Kret District, prompting concerns over the whereabouts of the driver.

Police from Chaiyaphruek Police Station and rescue volunteers responded to the scene and found the silver-bronze pickup, registration number from Bangkok, half-submerged in the Phra Udom Canal. The driver’s side window  was open, and inside the vehicle, only a child’s car seat was found. The truck keys were left atop a bridge pillar nearby, adding to the mystery. Minor damage was also observed on a roadside barrier near the scene.

Mr. Kasem Supprathet, 67, a local resident, reported hearing a loud crash around 04:30 but did not immediately investigate. Upon seeing the vehicle in the canal at dawn, he alerted the authorities. He noted that crashes frequently occur at this location, as the gap between the barrier and nearby houses may mislead unfamiliar drivers into thinking the road continues straight. He urged officials to extend the concrete barriers to prevent further incidents.

Rescue worker Mr. Mon stated that when he arrived, there were no occupants inside or near the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing the driver exit the vehicle, place the keys on a bridge pillar, and then leave the scene in a taxi.

Police traced the vehicle's registration to a woman, who later arrived at the police station seeking to reclaim the truck. However, authorities refused to release it until they could interview the driver about the circumstances leading to the crash. 
 

The woman, who identified herself as the driver’s wife, revealed that she had been unable to contact her husband since the incident. She speculated that his mobile phone might have been lost or damaged in the water, preventing communication.

Investigations are ongoing as police work to locate the missing driver and determine the cause of the crash.

-- 2025-02-23