Pictures courtesy of MGR

A car crash on a steep access road to accommodation at Phu Thap Boek in Phetchabun province left four people injured after a saloon car lost power, rolled back and overturned, prompting a rapid rescue by passing tourists. The incident occurred on 2 January 2026, and all occupants were taken to hospital, with no fatalities reported.

Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Mongkhon Satha Dhammasathan Foundation in Phetchabun were alerted to the crash on the uphill route to a resort within the Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park area. The site was near Highway 2331 on the Jo Ho–Phu Thap Boek route, a road known for steep gradients leading to hilltop accommodation. Upon arrival, responders found a black Toyota Yaris, registration from Bangkok, overturned on its roof beside the highway after falling from a sharply inclined access road.

According to initial findings, the vehicle had been attempting to climb the steep hill towards the resort when it lost power midway up the slope. The driver was believed to be unfamiliar with the route and the car began rolling backwards at speed before tumbling down the hillside. The vehicle came to rest upside down by the roadside, with smoke seen rising from the car shortly after it stopped.

There were four people in the vehicle, including the driver and three passengers. Other tourists who were nearby or passing the scene rushed to help, pulling all occupants out of the car before emergency services arrived. Medical checks found one person with moderate injuries and three with minor injuries and all four were transported to Somdet Phra Yupparat Lom Kao Hospital for treatment.

Dashcam footage from a following vehicle captured the moments after the crash, showing smoke emerging from the overturned car and the swift response by bystanders. The footage has since circulated online, highlighting both the dangers of steep mountain roads and the importance of prompt assistance in roadside emergencies.

MGR online reported that police and rescue officials documented the scene, while travellers are being reminded to exercise caution on steep and winding routes, particularly in tourist areas during busy holiday periods. No charges or additional legal actions had been announced.

Key Takeaways

• A Toyota Yaris overturned on a steep road to Phu Thap Boek accommodation on 2 January 2026.

• Four occupants were injured, with one moderate and three minor injuries, and all were hospitalised.

• Dashcam footage showed smoke from the vehicle and tourists assisting before rescuers arrived.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-04

 

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to initial findings, the vehicle had been attempting to climb the steep hill towards the resort when it lost power midway up the slope.

Another person who can't drive, lost power... maybe becoz either if it was manual didn't change down gears, or if auto didn't shift to low/take off overdrive.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

and the car began rolling backwards at speed before

And the brakes failed......................🙄

13 minutes ago, brian69 said:

Another person who can't drive, lost power... maybe becoz either if it was manual didn't change down gears, or if auto didn't shift to low/take off overdrive.

And the brakes failed......................🙄

Yaris are not manual.

Possibly went too wide on that narrow concrete road and simply rolled over.

End result though is driver error.

Just a remark. I went up and down this steep and winding road many times by motorbike. This road is challenging and not easy to handle for the average driver. The road is excellent for bikers. I saw many times cars having to stop at steep inclines within curves. It is a nightmare for a biker having to stop behind such a car because you have to balance the weight to avoid falling to the side. Driver error yes, but most drivers simply are not used to such conditions.