Fatal car accident ignites fire in Ratchaburi: Driver unidentified

A fatal incident claimed the life of a driver in Ratchaburi when his car collided with a bridge’s pier, igniting a fierce fire that could not be controlled in time. The horrifying event occurred around 2.40am today, on the Phetkasem inbound road in front of an industrial estate in Don Sai Subdistrict, Photharam District.

The vehicle involved was an MG5 car bearing license plate number 4ขฒ4522, Bangkok. Firefighters from the Don Sai Subdistrict Municipality and volunteers from the Sawang Ratchaburi Foundation were dispatched to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze in approximately 15 minutes. However, the driver had already succumbed to the flames, trapped inside the car that was almost entirely consumed by the fire, aiding one of the officers at the scene, Yuthana Pookaogaeo.

“The car hit the bridge’s pier so forcefully, parts of the vehicle and engine were scattered across the road.”

Despite the efforts of the rescue team, the victim could not be identified due to the severity of the fire damage to the vehicle and the body, reported KhaoSod.

Chatchai Wanphen, a 32 year old volunteer from the Sawang Ratchaburi Foundation, was among the first responders. He was at his shop approximately 50 metres away when he heard a loud crash and saw smoke emanating from the vehicle. Chatchai immediately rushed to the scene with a fire extinguisher, but the fire had already engulfed the vehicle.

“The fire was so intense, I could not see if anyone was trapped inside.”

Chatchai had to quickly call for backup. It was only later that the lifeless body of the driver was discovered inside the car.

Police believe the driver lost control and crashed into the bridge’s pier at high speed, causing the car to ignite. The impact likely rendered the driver unconscious, preventing him from escaping the flaming vehicle.

The body was sent to Ratchaburi Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, authorities are working to identify the victim and inform his relatives.