Driver dies as Tesla plunges into canal in Pathum Thani
Rescuers smashed sunroof in last-ditch effort to reach man inside
A driver died after his Tesla plunged into a canal in Pathum Thani, central Thailand, despite rescue teams’ efforts to save him from the submerged vehicle.
A 55 year old man died after his Tesla Model 3 veered off the road and plunged into Khlong Sib in Pathum Thani this morning, October 15.
The driver, identified as Witthawat, was trapped inside the electric sedan as it sank nearly 10 metres beneath the surface. Rescue teams and a good Samaritan tried frantically to free him by smashing the sunroof, but he was pronounced dead at the scene after CPR attempts failed.
The incident occurred around 7am near Soi Rong Makham in Bueng Ba subdistrict, Nong Suea district. Police Lieutenant Colonel Saichon Odjai of Nong Suea Police Station led the emergency response, supported by Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and divers.
At the crash site, located near kilometre marker 5+500, volunteers heard faint knocking from within the submerged vehicle as they searched. The sound eventually stopped.
A dramatic effort followed as rescue workers shattered the sunroof to reach Witthawat. His son, who had rushed to the scene, pleaded for help and offered a 1 million baht reward if rescuers could save his father.
The black Tesla was later retrieved from the canal, showing heavy damage. The front bumper was crushed, the rear window shattered, and the airbags had deployed. One of the side windows had also been opened during the rescue attempt.
Adisak Mueanphothong, a local, and Attapol Kagram, a rescue worker with Ruamkatanyu Foundation, recalled the harrowing scene.
“We received reports of a car in the canal and raced to the site,” said Adisak. “Tyre tracks showed how the car had veered off the road before floating for about 100 metres and then sinking.”
“Opening the doors was impossible under water pressure,” added Attapol. “We had to break the sunroof to get him out.”
The police have recorded the incident for further investigation. Witthawat’s body was sent to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Centre in Nakhon Nayok for an autopsy, reported KhaoSod.
Officers have not yet confirmed what caused the vehicle to steer from the road, but the investigation is ongoing. The case has sparked concern over vehicle safety and response times in underwater rescues.
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