Palm tree lands on car during thunderstorm in Phuket

A palm tree fell onto a passing car on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket during a thunderstorm yesterday evening, prompting officials to urge motorists to drive cautiously in such weather.

Thalang Police received reports of the incident around 6pm. Upon arrival, police and rescue workers found a heavily damaged white Suzuki car registered in Phuket. The car, which had also collided with another vehicle, suffered significant damage to its roof and front.

The driver, identified as Philippines national Mary Grace Vedasto Singh, sustained injuries and was taken to Thalang Hospital. The severity of her injuries was not disclosed.

The fallen tree caused considerable traffic delays on Thepkrasattri Road as local municipality workers worked to clear the obstruction.

The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) issued a weather advisory warning of potential flash floods in all three districts of Phuket and other high-risk areas across the country for the coming week.

The advisory highlights a strong air pressure area forming over the Andaman Sea, with the warning effective from May 18 to 25, reported Phuket News.

Authorities emphasise the importance of cautious driving during thunderstorms to prevent similar incidents.

In related news, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning as the country braces for a day of scorching temperatures and thunderstorms. The northern region is expected to experience the highest temperatures, soaring up to 41 degrees Celsius, while the southern provinces face rough seas with waves exceeding 2 metres.

In other news, a severe thunderstorm in the central province of Uthai Thani resulted in a tragic incident where a falling tree claimed the life of a three year old girl on her birthday. Rescuers and medical workers rushed to a house in the Thap Than district of Uthai Thani after being alerted to a fallen tree.

Officers managed to retrieve the girl’s body but were unable to save her life. She was pronounced dead at the scene having sustained a broken neck and minor injuries to her back.