Passenger dies as grab car crashes into oil tanker in Rayong

A tragic accident involving a popular app-based car occurred when it crashed into the back of an oil tanker truck, resulting in the death of one passenger and serious injury to another. The driver miraculously escaped unharmed, attributing his survival to a protective amulet.

At 6.30am today, September 19, Anupong Puangpee, a duty officer at Klaeng Police Station in Rayong, received a report of a car accident on Ban Bueng-Klaeng Road at the Nong Kankrao intersection.

The collision involved a red Toyota Altis, registered in Bangkok, and an oil tanker truck. Medical personnel from Klaeng Hospital and rescue volunteers from the Putthasatsongkroh Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

The Toyota was found in the middle of the road, severely damaged up to the passenger compartment. A male passenger, Kem, a 45 year old Cambodian, was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained fatal injuries from the impact.

Another male passenger, whose identity remains unknown, was critically injured and unconscious. He received preliminary medical care before being transported to Klaeng Hospital. The driver of the Toyota, 46 year old Pleurn, was uninjured.

Pleurn, who was driving a Grab car, reported that he had picked up the two passengers in Bangkok and was en route to the Chanthaburi border. Upon reaching the intersection, he collided forcefully with the rear of the oil tanker.

Pleurn expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident but considered himself fortunate to have survived unscathed. He credited his survival to the protective powers of an amulet of Thao Wessuwan, which he had worn around his neck. This amulet was given to him by a wandering monk, although its origin remains unknown.

Anan Sa-ard, the 38 year old driver of the oil tanker, stated that he was transporting oil from Chon Buri to a customer. While moving his vehicle away from the red light, another driver alerted him to the collision.

Upon stopping to inspect, he discovered the car lodged into the rear of his tanker. Anan mentioned that he was unaware of the collision initially due to the size of his vehicle and the full oil tank, reported KhaoSod.

Police have since called both drivers in for questioning to follow legal procedures. The employers of the deceased and injured passengers have been notified. The injured passenger remains in critical condition at Klaeng Hospital.