Lorry Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Crashes onto Pickup Truck

Picture from responders.

A lorry driver who fell asleep behind the wheel caused a serious crash on the Asian Highway, leading to a six-wheel truck overturning and crushing a pickup truck. The driver of the pickup was trapped and severely injured.

The crash occurred at around 11:30 on 11th March in the Krung district of Chumphon. According to police reports, the driver of the red lorry, registered in Samut Prakan, was en route from Chonburi to Surat Thani with a delivery of goods. After having taken several rest stops, he admitted to feeling drowsy during the journey, which ultimately led to the crash.

The truck veered off the road and collided with a grey Isuzu pickup truck. The impact flipped the lorry onto its side, crushing the pickup truck beneath it. The pickup driver, identified as 62-year-old Athorn Samran, was trapped inside, with the roof of the truck crushed down onto him.

Rescue teams arrived at the scene to assess the situation. First aid was given to the trapped driver. Fearing that the overturned truck could slide and cause further injury to the driver and responders, they stabilised the vehicle with a crane, before extracting the driver.

Due to the severity of Mr. Athorn’s injuries, the rescue team had to use cutting equipment to extricate him from the wreckage. He sustained serious injuries, including head trauma, a dislocated left arm and severe ankle wounds. Despite the extensive damage, the operation took less than 10 minutes, once the lorry had been secured and Mr. Athorn was transported to Sawi Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the lorry, 37-year-old Sanchai, told police that he had set off from Chonburi around 01:00 on the same day. Along the way, he had stopped to rest and freshen up but had continued driving without sufficient sleep. He admitted that he became drowsy and eventually lost control of the vehicle.

Sanchai was taken to Sawi Police Station for further questioning. He has been initially charged with reckless driving causing injury and damage to public property. Authorities will continue to monitor Mr. Athorn’s condition and may press additional charges depending on the severity of his injuries.

-- 2025-03-12