Accident Drunk Lorry Driver Crashes into Toll Booth in Samut Prakan, Gas Cylinders Scatter and Leak

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

 

A crash occurred on evening of 6 July, when a six-wheeled lorry crashed into a toll booth barrier at the Bang Kaew 1 toll gate on the Kanchanaphisek Expressway, causing panic as CO₂ and LPG gas cylinders spilled onto the road and some began leaking. The driver, found to be heavily intoxicated, was rescued from the wreckage.

 

Emergency services were alerted at approximately 19:35, prompting a rapid response from the Expressway Authority, local rescue units from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Bang Kaew Subdistrict Fire Department, and police officers. The crash forced the temporary closure of three right-hand lanes for safety.

 

At the scene, a white Hino lorry bearing Bangkok registration plates was found to have slammed into a concrete barrier separating toll lanes. The vehicle had been transporting a full load of O₂ cylinders, along with six LPG cylinders. The impact caused some of the cylinders to fall from the truck and scatter across the road, some leaking and releasing vapours.

 

The driver, identified as 57-year-old Mr Paithoon, was found trapped in the front of the cab with a laceration to his chin. Rescue personnel used hydraulic tools to free him from the wreckage. Witnesses reported a strong smell of alcohol and Mr Paithoon was described as heavily intoxicated and incoherent at the scene.

 

Dashcam footage from a vehicle behind the lorry captured the moment of the crash. The video showed the lorry abruptly changing lanes before failing to enter a toll lane, instead crashing directly into the protective column of toll booth No. 11. Gas cylinders flew from the truck and landed near the toll booth, releasing large plumes of vapour.

 

Ms Karakamon Kaewwichien 50, the toll booth attendant on duty at the time, said she was collecting payment from another vehicle when she saw the lorry heading directly toward her booth. She quickly ducked under her desk just as cylinders struck nearby.

 

Mr Pakorn Kujaroen, the driver of the vehicle with the dashcam, said he was on his way home to Nakhon Pathom when he narrowly avoided being sideswiped by the truck. “He just swerved into my lane, and then a second later crashed straight into the barrier. I thought the gas would explode,” he said.

 

Authorities confirmed that Mr Paithoon was taken to Prince Suvarnabhumi Hospital for treatment. Reports later emerged that he became disruptive at the hospital. He reportedly admitted to drinking “just a bottle or two” and claimed to be heading to Udomsuk, despite having driven in the opposite direction.

 

The gas cylinders were stabilised and made safe, then cleared from the scene by emergency crews, allowing traffic to resume. Police ordered a blood alcohol test and will proceed with legal action based on the results.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-07-08

 

 

 

 

[Geoffggi]

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The vehicle had been transporting a full load of O₂ cylinders, along with six LPG cylinders. The impact caused some of the cylinders to fall from the truck and scatter across the road, some leaking and releasing vapours.

 

Gas cylinders should never be transported like this they should be retained in sturdy steel quad frames for exactly this reason, if one of the pillar valves had broke this stuation would bave been much worse - Thailand & Safety do not go hand in hand

[Gsxrnz]

Multiple entry points, double vision due to alcohol - looks like he divided by two to split the difference and got it wrong.

 

Best advice I can offer is to close one eye before you do the math. 

[quake]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

 

 

Gas cylinders should never be transported like this they should be retained in sturdy steel quad frames for exactly this reason, if one of the pillar valves had broke this stuation would bave been much worse - Thailand & Safety do not go hand in hand

 

Yes very true.

But we know where we are.

As always in Thailand safety first. 

T.I.T.

[Jim Blue]

Always a bit wary of the motorcy carrying gas  cylinders the open  box .

[Xonax]

Make all drivers blow the alcohol meter, before they can enter the expressway.

[impulse]

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The driver, identified as 57-year-old Mr Paithoon, was found trapped in the front of the cab with a laceration to his chin. Rescue personnel used hydraulic tools to free him from the wreckage.

 

I hope they brought him a fresh pair of undies.  I'd have code brown'ed, stuck in a cab with leaking gas cylinders all around.  Drunk or sober.