BANGKOK– A late-night journey turned fatal on a major Bangkok thoroughfare when a Mercedes sedan slammed into the back of a stationary crane truck. The accident, which occurred on Ratchaphruek Road, has left investigators looking for answers while a family mourns the loss of a 38-year-old man.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene near the BTS Pho Nimitstation in the Thon Buri district. Despite the rapid response of medical teams and rescue workers, the driver of the sedan could not be saved.
According to reports from Thairath Online , the incident took place in the early hours of Saturday. Local officers from the Talat Phlu Police Station arrived to find a white luxury vehicle wedged underneath the rear of a six-wheel crane truck. The impact was severe, causing significant damage to the front of the car.
Emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundationworked quickly to extract the driver from the wreckage. The victim was later identified as 38-year-old Mr. Phurich Yiamvanichanant.
- Location:Ratchaphruek Road, near BTS Pho Nimit, Bukkhalo Subdistrict.
- Vehicles involved:A white Mercedes-Benz and a six-wheel truck equipped with a crane.
- The Victim:A 38-year-old male driver who was alone in the vehicle at the time.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
Once the rescue team freed Mr. Phurich from the vehicle, they immediately performed CPR. The Erawan Emergency Medical Team was also on hand to provide advanced life support. Unfortunately, the driver did not respond to the life-saving measures. Medical professionals at the scene confirmed his death shortly after.
The body has been transported to the Department of Forensic Medicine at Siriraj Hospital. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death before the family takes him for religious funeral rites.
The driver of the crane truck, identified as Mr. Somporn, provided a statement to the authorities. He explained that he was transporting construction equipment to Nonthaburi when a mechanical issue forced him to stop.
According to Mr. Somporn:
- A light-up warning sign on his truck broke loose, forcing him to pull over.
- Another car had previously hit the fallen sign, and they were in the middle of resolving insurance details for that minor incident.
- Safety cones were placed roughly 30 to 40 meters behind the truck to alert oncoming traffic.
- Staff members were also reportedly signaling drivers to move over.
Ongoing Investigation into the Mercedes Crash
Mr. Somporn stated that as they were finishing up and preparing to leave, the Mercedes-Benz suddenly crashed into the back of the truck. He noted that he did not see how the car was being driven before the impact and confirmed that none of his crew members were injured in the secondary crash.
Talat Phlu police are now conducting a full investigation to ensure fairness for all parties involved. Officers have taken the truck driver in for further questioning and are currently reviewing local CCTV footage.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of stationary vehicles on high-speed roads, especially during the night. Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant and keep a safe distance from any roadside hazards or maintenance vehicles.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Phurich during this incredibly difficult time.
