Frantic rescue operation as Bangkok police officer’s car plunges into Chao Phraya River
A police officer’s vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into the Chao Phraya River near Bangkok, resulting in a frantic rescue operation. The driver of the vehicle, a Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police officer, was found in a state of distress, pleading for help for his wife, presumed to be trapped inside the submerged vehicle. The mysterious plot thickened when rescuing officers could not find the police officer’s wife.
At 1am today, a team of investigators from Bang Sri Mueang Police Station, Nonthaburi, led by Police Sub-Lieutenant Vachiranusorn Kampaeng, responded to the incident. The scene was under the Rama V Bridge, Nakhon In Road, Bang Phai Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District.
Rescue workers rushed to assist a man floating in the Chao Phraya River. Upon his rescue, a 9mm magazine-type pistol was discovered hooked onto his right waistband, with a head wound present. The man was visibly distraught, continuously crying out.
Upon inquiry, it was found that another woman was in the car with him, who was yet to be found. The injured man, identified by his police ID card as Police Sergeant Major Pakornkiart, was incoherent during the initial questioning, reported Sanook.
Eyewitness accounts, including that of 48 year old Phuridej, who was returning home on his motorcycle, revealed that two cars, a taxi and a van, were speeding. The taxi managed to navigate the curve, but the van crashed into the roadside barrier and fell into the Chao Phraya River.
Phuridej saw a man floating in the water, calling for help for his wife trapped inside the car. Unable to assist, Phuridej immediately informed the police and helped transport the injured man to Pranangklao Hospital.
Somboon Sitchai, a volunteer with the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, said that the injured man was found clinging to the car door half-submerged in the Chao Phraya River. After about a 10-minute negotiation, the man agreed to be rescued, with the promise that his wife would be searched for.
At 2.45am, a recovery vehicle was summoned to retrieve the car from the Chao Phraya River. It was identified as a five-door Hyundai utility vehicle, grey-black in colour, with no visible registration plate. The front and back of the vehicle were severely damaged, and its windows were shattered. No other passengers were found inside.
Initial investigation revealed that the injured man was a police officer attached to the CCIB. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident that led the car to skid off the road and the whereabouts of the officer’s missing wife.
