Lorry Crash on Bangkok Expressway Leaves One Dead, Causes 10km Tailback

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A collision between an 18-wheeler lorry and a 10-wheeler truck on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway early morning on 2 April, resulted in one fatality, one injury, and traffic congestion stretching over 10 kilometres. The crash occurred on the bridge crossing the Chao Phraya River in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, causing major disruption.

Police and emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and the Expressway Rescue Unit were called to the scene at around 05:20. The crash involved an 18-wheeler transporting bottles, which had struck the rear of a 10-wheeler carrying soybean meal. The impact severely damaged the front of the 18-wheeler, leaving its driver, Mr. Chatchai 53, trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting tools to extract his body, which was found with severe headand  facial injuries.

The 10-wheeler truck suffered heavy rear-end damage, and its cargo of soybean meal spilled across the road, further worsening traffic conditions. The driver of the 10-wheeler sustained injuries, complaining of chest pain and neck discomfort, and was taken to Bangpakok 3 Hospital for treatment.

A colleague of the deceased, who arrived at the scene, revealed that Mr. Chatchai was employed as a lorry driver in Chachoengsao province. He had just delivered a load of bottles to Nakhon Pathom and was on his way back to his depot when the crash occurred. His family has been notified of his death.

The crash caused a massive traffic backlog, with congestion extending more than 10 kilometres. Authorities worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.

Investigators from Phra Pradaeng Police Station have not yet identified any eyewitnesses but suspect that the 18-wheeler was travelling at high speed in the left lane when it rear-ended the slower-moving 10-wheeler as it ascended the bridge. Officials are reviewing CCTV footage from the expressway to determine the exact cause of the collision.

-- 2025-04-03