Businessman Dies as Mercedes Hits Power Poles in Bueng Kan

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A retail business owner was killed instantly after his Mercedes-Benz crashed into power poles in Bueng Kan in the early hours of 10 January 2026, triggering a fire that destroyed the vehicle and caused a temporary citywide power outage. The collision snapped five high-voltage electricity poles, cutting electricity across a wide area and alarming nearby residents. Emergency services pronounced the driver dead at the scene despite resuscitation attempts.

The crash occurred at about 3.00am on Highway 2026, the Seka–Bueng Khong Long route, in Ban Chok Anuai, Moo 16, Tha Kok Daeng subdistrict, Seka district. Police were alerted via the 191 emergency radio centre to a car that had lost control, struck a power pole and burst into flames near Nong Hin Wittaya School. Firefighters from Tha Kok Daeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation worked to extinguish the blaze.

The driver was thrown from the car by the impact and was identified only as Mr A, aged 30, the owner of a large retail shop in Seka district. The white Mercedes-Benz, model unspecified, was found completely burned out at the roadside. Rescue workers attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but the driver succumbed to severe injuries at the scene.

Investigators found five damaged high-voltage electricity poles, each part of a 115kV line, toppled by the impact. The damage caused a widespread blackout for a short period as safety systems shut down the supply. A duty doctor from Seka Hospital and rescue volunteers conducted a preliminary examination at the scene.

Closed-circuit television footage from a nearby home showed a white Mercedes travelling at high speed shortly before the crash. Less than a minute later, a loud impact was heard, followed by the sound of poles collapsing and an explosion consistent with an electrical short circuit. Electricity then went out across the surrounding area.

Khoasod reported that police believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the car to leave the roadway at a bend and strike the poles, igniting the fire. Officers plan to coordinate with Bueng Kan forensic police to collect further evidence and confirm the cause. The investigation remains ongoing.

Key Takeaways

• A 30-year-old retail shop owner died after his Mercedes-Benz crashed and caught fire in Bueng Kan on 10 January 2026.

• The impact destroyed five 115kV power poles, causing a temporary power outage across a wide area.

• Police suspect driver fatigue and are gathering forensic evidence to confirm the cause.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-11