MAE HONG SON– In a shocking and bizarre incident early Monday morning, a middle-aged man lost his life after his motorcycle veered off a sharp curve on Highway 1194, catapulting the vehicle two meters high into a tree.
The accident occurred on May 11, 2026, at the notorious Kiu Lom viewpoint near Huay Pho village in the Mae Sariang District of Mae Hong Son province. Local authorities believe the victim lost control of his motorbike while navigating the winding mountain roads, leading to a fatal impact that threw him from the seat while his vehicle remained lodged in the branches above.
When Pol. Capt. Woravit Amphonprathan and emergency responders from the Mae Sariang Police Station arrived at the scene, they were met with a sight that looked more like a movie stunt than a tragic accident. A red Honda Dream motorcycle—without a license plate—was stuck firmly in a tree about two meters off the ground.
Most hauntingly, the engine was still running, and the right turn signal continued to blink rhythmically in the quiet mountain air.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Search teams quickly located the body of the rider nearby. The victim, described as a middle-aged man wearing a navy blue polo shirt, grey trousers, and carrying a traditional shoulder bag, had been thrown from the bike upon impact. Medical personnel from Mae Sariang Hospital confirmed that the man had died at the scene from severe trauma.
Local police noted several key details about the crash:
- Location:The Kiu Lom viewpoint is known for its steep, winding turns, which can be treacherous for those unfamiliar with the terrain.
- The Vehicle:The motorcycle’s position suggests it hit the curve at a high rate of speed, acting as a ramp that launched the bike upward.
- Current Status:Authorities are currently working to identify the victim, as no formal identification was found on his person at the time of the crash.
This tragic event has once again raised concerns about road safety in Northern Thailand, particularly on the routes connecting Mae Sariang and Mae Sam Laeb . These mountain roads are famous for their scenic views but are equally infamous for their “death curves” that claim lives every year.
Local villagers mentioned that the stretch of road near Huay Pho is particularly dangerous during the night or early morning hours when visibility is low. Police have urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution, obey speed limits, and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition before attempting these high-altitude passes.
As the investigation continues, the body has been moved to the forensic department for an autopsy. The Mae Sariang Police are asking anyone who might know the victim or who witnessed the accident to come forward. For now, the sight of the red motorcycle suspended in the air serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a journey can turn into a tragedy on Thailand’s winding northern roads.
