Picture from responders.

 

A 24-year-old factory worker was killed in a collision with an 18-wheeler in Si Racha, Chonburi, while rushing to work, reportedly fearing that being late could affect his employment status.

 

The fatal collision occurred at 09:00 on 17 March, on the Tho Nam–Ban Nong Kho Road, in Nong Kham subdistrict, Si Racha district. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the victim, identified as Mr Apidet 24, lying motionless by the roadside with a severe head injury. His black Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, registered in Chonburi, was found nearby, badly damaged from the impact. His helmet had come off during the crash.

 

The driver of the white 18-wheeler, a 39-year-old man identified as Mr Thawatchai, stated that he had been turning into a warehouse loading area at the time of the crash.

 

“I had my indicator on for about 50 metres before making the turn. Because of the truck’s size, I had to swing slightly to the right before turning left into the lane. As I was making the turn, the motorcycle came up on my left side at high speed. I checked my side mirrors but didn’t see him until I felt the impact,” he explained.

 

Police suspect that the motorcyclist attempted to overtake the truck on the left, unaware that the vehicle was making a wide turn. This resulted in the motorcycle clipping the truck, causing it to skid into a road sign before slamming into a wall, leading to the fatal head injury.

 

Mr Piyapong 25, a close friend and work colleague of the deceased, was one of the last people to speak to him before the crash.

 

“He called me this morning, asking if I had arrived at work. I told him I was on the way, and we agreed to meet at the factory,” he said.

 

However, when Apidet failed to show up, Piyapong called his phone, only for a police officer to answer and inform him of the crash.

 

“I immediately told our supervisor and rushed to the scene. When I arrived, I saw that it was really him. I called his family right away,” he added.

 

Colleagues believe Apidet was in a hurry to avoid being late for work, as he was still in his probation period and did not want to risk his job.

 

Police from Nong Kham Police Station have examined the site and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to confirm the circumstances of the crash.

 

Apidet’s body has been sent to Laem Chabang Hospital for an autopsy before being released to his family for religious rites. Meanwhile, authorities have urged both truck drivers and motorcyclists to exercise extreme caution, particularly at intersections and wide turns.

 

-- 2025-03-18

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Police suspect that the motorcyclist attempted to overtake the truck on the left, unaware that the vehicle was making a wide turn. This resulted in the motorcycle clipping the truck, causing it to skid into a road sign before slamming into a wall, leading to the fatal head injury.

 

Could possibly have been prevented with a proper training and competency scheme being implemented before licensing. 

6 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

His helmet had come off during the crash.

 

From the front basket?