Accident Driver Electrocuted After Van Crashes into Power Pole in Phuket

[Georgealbert]

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 29-year-old van driver died in the early hours of the morning of 15 May, after he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a high-voltage power pole, triggering a fall of live wires that electrocuted him at the wheel.

 

The fatal incident occurred around 01:20 in Soi Thep Anusorn, Wichit subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province. Police Lieutenant Rainthip Kaewsaen, deputy investigator at Wichit Police Station, received the report and quickly coordinated with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers, medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and specialists from Vachira Phuket Hospital.

 

Upon arrival, emergency responders found a silver Toyota van with yellow commercial plates (registration from Phuket) severely damaged, its front crushed against a power pole. The pole, carrying high-voltage lines was leaning precariously against the front of the van, with live wires causing electrical arcing. Officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority were called in to cut the power supply before any rescue attempts could begin.

 

Inside the wreckage, the body of Mr. Thanakorn Phatawong, the driver, was discovered slumped behind the steering wheel, with visible burn marks and injuries consistent with electrocution. His legs were trapped and pinned under the steering column and dash board.

With the electricity isolated, rescue teams used hydraulic tools to attempt extraction, but the crushed power pole had pinned the vehicle so tightly that efforts were unsuccessful until a hydraulic platform and crane, from the electricity authority were brought in to stabilise the pole. After nearly two hours, the body was finally recovered.

 

An eyewitness reported hearing a loud crash and initially believed a vehicle had lost control and hit a nearby shop. On closer inspection, it became clear a van had collided with a power pole. The witness saw the driver trying to move but, moments later, a broken cable fell striking the driver and vehicle, igniting a small fire. Staff from a nearby convenience store rushed out with fire extinguishers and were able to extinguish the flames.

There were no other vehicles involved, and officials believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.  Mr. Thanakorn was driving alone and had been travelling from Chao Fah West Road.

 

The body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy, to determine the cause of death, as the investigation continues.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15.