Accident Man Killed After Lorry Slams into Rocket Festival Float in Uthai Thani

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

An incident occurred in Uthai Thani province on the afternoon of 19 June, when a 10-wheel lorry ploughed into the rear of a decorative float preparing for a local rocket festival, killing a 70-year-old man at the scene and injuring three others.

 

The fatal crash occurred around 15:00 on the Uthai Thani–Manorom Road, approximately one kilometre from the provincial city centre. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving a festival procession vehicle and a lorry.

 

The vehicle that was hit had been elaborately decorated for participation in the upcoming Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival) celebrations and had reportedly travelled from Roi Et province. It was struck from behind by a lorry registered in Nakhon Sawan, with the force of the impact causing the float to skid forward into a parked Honda saloon. Fortunately, no one was inside the car at the time.

 

Rescuers discovered the lifeless body of a man, later identified only as “Phor Yai Boem”, aged 70, beneath the festival vehicle. Three others sustained injuries, two with minor wounds and one seriously hurt. All were taken to Uthai Thani Hospital.

 

Preliminary investigations by police revealed that the deceased was the driver of the festival float. He had reportedly exited the vehicle to inspect the rear section just moments before the crash. Witnesses stated that he was beneath the float conducting checks when the lorry slammed into the back.

 

Mr. Narachai, 26, who was travelling with the victim and others, said they had travelled together from Roi Et in a group of six to take part in the annual festival, scheduled to take place on 21–22 June at Thap Salao Reservoir in Lan Sak district. The group had stopped by the roadside to eat, just past Wat Tha Sung. While preparing to set off again, the victim was inspecting the float’s rear when the collision occurred.

 

The lorry driver, Mr. Krisana 51, told police he was en route to pick up a rice delivery in Lat Yao district, Nakhon Sawan, accompanied by his wife and five-year-old daughter. He claimed that his daughter had handed him a phone from the back seat to request a cartoon and while turning to take the device, he failed to see the float ahead before colliding with it at speed. He denied consuming alcohol, but police have stated they will be conducting a breathalyser and drugs test, as the investigation continues.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-20