Van Plunges Off Notorious U-Turn Bridge, Driver Critical

Pictures courtesy of Daily News.

A crash occurred in the Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan on 5 August, when a passenger van driver lost control and crashed through the barrier of a notorious U-turn bridge before plunging onto the road below, leaving the driver critically injured.

The incident took place on Theparat Road at kilometre marker 32. The van, a red-plate private vehicle registered in Bangkok, struck the side rail of the elevated U-turn and fell onto the central reservation, sustaining extensive damage and overturning on impact.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and transported the driver, 26-year-old Mr Anees, to hospital with critical injuries. Fortunately, there were no passengers in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Initial investigations suggest the driver may have either dozed off at the wheel or was unfamiliar with the route. According to local residents, the flyover has long been dubbed the “Expert-Killer U-turn Bridge” due to its reputation for frequent and often severe crashess, particularly involving motorcyclists.

Visible skid marks and heavy damage to the bridge’s railing indicated the van struck the barrier with considerable force before plunging off the edge.

Mr Anees told officials he had not consumed any alcohol prior to the incident. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Local campaigners have previously called for safety improvements on the bridge, which remains a well-known hazard for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-06