A truck driver was killed in a tragic accident after desperately chasing his runaway lorry in an attempt to stop it, only to be crushed when the vehicle overturned in Thailand’s Chonburi province.
The fatal incident occurred at around 1.30pm on 13 July along Khlong Muang–Ban Nong Mi Road in Ko Chan District, prompting police from Phanat Nikhom Police Station and rescue personnel from the Sawang Haet Ban Thung Hiang Rescue Foundation to rush to the scene.
When emergency responders arrived, they found a 10-wheel Isuzu truck lying on its side with its cargo compartment packed with crates of live chickens. The vehicle’s driver was believed to be trapped underneath.
Rescuers launched a major recovery operation, bringing in a crane and an excavator to lift the overturned truck while volunteers removed the chicken crates to reduce the vehicle’s weight and improve access to the victim.
After nearly one hour, rescuers reached the driver, who was found unconscious beneath the truck near the rear axle. He was later confirmed to have died after being crushed under the rear wheel on the driver’s side.
The victim was identified as Mr Sommai, believed to be around 47 years old.
A grocery shop owner located near the scene told investigators that the truck had been parked roughly 100 metres away while the driver entered the shop to buy something. Moments later, the unattended vehicle began rolling downhill along a sloping section of the road.
Seeing the truck moving away, the driver reportedly sprinted after it in an attempt to regain control. However, before he could stop it, the truck overturned, trapping and fatally crushing him.
Rescue volunteer Mr Udon Pasingshop, 64, said the truck had initially been parked on the roadside before unexpectedly rolling down the hill. Despite the driver’s efforts to catch up with the vehicle, he was unable to prevent the accident.
Police documented the scene and collected evidence before sending the victim’s body for a post-mortem examination. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident before taking further legal action.
