Five people were injured after a trailer truck reportedly suffered brake failure and ploughed into six other vehicles on a downhill stretch in Na Di district, Prachin Buri, today, August 6.
The crash happened at around 11am on Highway 304, on the Bangkok-bound carriageway. The section is a steep downhill stretch with a sharp bend, where it had been raining at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders temporarily closed the road in both directions as debris, vehicle parts and spilt cargo blocked all lanes, causing severe traffic congestion.
Seven vehicles were involved in the crash, including a trailer truck, a lorry, two container trucks, a passenger van, a box pickup truck and a passenger car.
Five people were injured. Four sustained minor injuries, while one person suffered serious injuries after becoming trapped inside the cab of a truck. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting equipment to free the victim before transporting them to hospital.
By 1.45pm, road maintenance crews and rescue workers were clearing spilt oil and debris from the carriageway. Temporary traffic flow resumed while damaged vehicles were removed in stages.
Initial investigations indicate the trailer truck lost control while travelling downhill before colliding with vehicles that had slowed on the descent. The impact severely damaged the truck’s cab and scattered its load of compressed paper bales across the road.
Crews spread sand over oil spilt onto the carriageway to reduce the risk of further crashes while heavy machinery was brought in to recover the damaged vehicles. Motorists were advised to avoid the area where possible or follow traffic directions.
The downhill section close to Pu Thon Shrine on Highway 304 in Na Di district has long been recognised as an accident hotspot.
According to initial findings, the combination of a steep gradient, consecutive sharp bends, brake failures on heavy vehicles and excessive speed, particularly during wet weather, has contributed to repeated serious crashes at the location.
Khaosod reported that the stretch has recorded at least 18 major accidents over the past decade, resulting in more than 60 deaths. Most involved heavy trucks or large passenger vehicles reportedly suffering brake failure or losing control while descending the mountain.
In similar news, an 18-wheel trailer overturned in Phatthalung after colliding with a car, blocking both lanes and causing major traffic disruption. The driver sustained minor injuries and told police he lost control of the vehicle while reaching down to pick up an object from the cab floor.
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