Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Heavy rain and strong winds caused chaos early morning on 27 April, when a lorry carrying mangoes crashed into the rear of a stationary trailer and truck, sparking a fire on the Asia Highway near Ayutthaya.

 

The crash occurred at around 01.00 near kilometre marker 17, close to a highway police service area in Khlong Suan Phlu subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district. Police Lieutenant Samart Raksasak of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station responded to the incident along with local fire crews and rescue teams.

 

At the scene, firefighters battled intense flames engulfing a six-wheeled lorry fully loaded with mangoes. The blaze had quickly spread to two police patrol vehicles parked nearby, damaging them, Authorities have given no details of if the police vehicles were at the scene prior to the collision or parked too close to the developing incident. It took more than 30 minutes for the fire to be brought under control.

 

Debris was strewn across the road, including hundreds of mangoes and the detached wheel of the lorry. The trailer, which was transporting cement, showed significant damage to its rear and signs of minor fire damage.

Eyewitnesses reported that torrential rain and powerful winds severely reduced visibility. One witness following the mango truck said they saw flames coming from its rear wheels moments before it lost control and crashed heavily into the trailer, reigniting a fierce fire.

 

Mr Somporn 44, the driver of the mango lorry, said he had been transporting mangoes from Sukhothai province to Samut Sakhon. As he approached the service area, heavy rain impaired his visibility, preventing him from seeing the stationary trailer in time to avoid a collision. Fortunately, he managed to escape from his burning vehicle unharmed.

 

Mr Nookrai 43, the driver of the trailer, stated that he had been resting inside his vehicle when he was awoken by the sound of a violent crash. He quickly moved his truck and trailer away from the flames to prevent further damage.

 

Highway police officers at the scene confirmed that the stormy weather had created hazardous driving conditions.

 

Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Police have collected evidence from the scene and have summoned both drivers for further questioning as they continue to investigate the cause of the incident.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-04-28.

 

 

 

 

heavy rain impaired his visibility

 

Did the model of "mango lorry" not have the options of slowing down or stopping if the driver cannot see ?

Yikes!!!… Who knew Mangos were flammable!