Lorry Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel, Kills Policeman and Elderly Woman

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A devastating road crash in Chonburi province has claimed the lives of a traffic police officer and a 66-year-old woman after a lorry driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and veered into oncoming traffic.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 18:00 on 6 June on Route 349 (Phanat Nikhom–Nong Chak Road) in front of a Shell petrol station in Moo 9, Thung Khwang Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Khemanat Sukee of Phanat Nikhom Police Station was notified of a serious collision involving a lorry and a car. Emergency services from Thung Hiang Rescue Unit and Panat Nikhom Hospital were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, they discovered a black Honda Jazz, registration number from Chonburi, with its front damaged. Trapped inside the wreckage were Police Lieutenant Manop Sritrai, Deputy Inspector of Traffic at Mueang Chonburi Police Station and Ms Kamonluk Plodprong, 66, who was seated in the front passenger seat.

Rescuers worked to extricate the pair from the vehicle and transport them to Panat Nikhom Hospital. Both succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival due to the severity of their conditions.

Nearby, a Hino lorry with registration number from Pathum Thani, was found stationary at the crash site. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Sarawut Photisiri, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.

Sarawut told police that he had been driving from Chanthaburi to Bangkok via Nong Chak and Phanat Nikhom when he briefly nodded off at the wheel. He acknowledged the momentary lapse led his vehicle to cross into the opposite lane and strike the victims’ car head-on.

“I was tired and must have dozed off. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I am truly sorry for what I’ve caused,” he said, visibly shaken.

Police took Sarawut into custody for further questioning. Legal proceedings are underway, and he is expected to face multiple charges, including reckless driving causing death.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-08