CHIANG MAI – There have been new developments after a Chiang Mai water delivery pickup truck lost control at a bend, crashing into 52 power poles. Many of these poles fell onto homes and shops, damaging 26 buildings and causing other property damage.
Crews have now cleared the scene, with the area nearly back to normal. Power authority staff worked through the night to repair power lines and remove debris. Early estimates put the damage at over 10 million baht.
However, the truck involved only had third-class insurance with a cover limit of 600,000 baht. Police are collecting evidence and plan to charge the driver, who is still in the hospital with serious injuries. If the driver was working at the time, his employer could also be held responsible.
On September 9, 2025, the pickup, owned by a local bottled water supplier, was travelling at high speed before it crashed into a row of power poles on Nong Hoi Road in Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai. As a result, 52 power poles went down in sequence.
Nearby homes and businesses were damaged, with 26 buildings affected. A total of nine cars and two motorcycles were also damaged, along with many other personal belongings. Initial surveys estimate the overall loss at no less than 10 million baht.
Power Gradually Restored
The crash also led to a large power outage that lasted over 20 minutes and affected several districts, including Mueang, Mae Rim, and San Sai. Power was gradually restored, though some areas waited longer.
Staff worked overnight to fix the problems and clear the area, making the road passable again. Full power is expected to return later Thursday. The driver remains in serious condition under hospital care.
Mr. Nirund Rakwanich, Director of Operations and Maintenance for Provincial Electricity Authority Region 1 (Northern), shared that crews rushed to remove debris and reinstall power poles and wiring so that power could be restored today.
As for the damage, by law, whoever causes harm to the power poles is responsible for covering the cost. A full damage assessment by experts is now underway.
Mr. Thongsuk Wongsohpa, Manager of Provincial Electricity Authority Chiang Mai Branch 2, explained that all the high-voltage poles meet industry standards. These power poles differ from those used in villages. High-voltage poles use multiple thin steel rods to flex with the wind and withstand earthquakes.
Their main job is to hold heavy power lines in place. In this accident, the force of the truck hit the centre of a pole with too much impact for the structure to withstand, causing the first pole to snap. The heavy cables then pulled the surrounding poles and power lines down in sequence.
Insurance Coverage Concerns
Mr. Wirat Yangyuenkun, Chief Executive of Chang Phueak Subdistrict Administrative Organization, led staff to assess damages to all 26 affected houses and businesses. His team is preparing reports and organizing support and has reached out to the province for faster relief measures.
Locals worry that the driver cannot cover the high damages alone, so many have called for state agencies to step in to help repair homes and replace damaged property.
An insurance company spokesman confirmed that the pickup only had third-class insurance, which covers up to 600,000 baht in property damage to others.
The compulsory motor insurance will only pay up to 500,000 baht for the passenger’s death and 35,000 baht for the injured driver. The company will pay according to the insurance policy terms.
Police Colonel Sawek Choosiri, Chief of Chang Phueak Police Station, said evidence clearly shows the driver was going too fast and lost control, causing serious losses and a fatality. Investigators are collecting evidence to charge the driver with reckless driving resulting in death and property damage.
If the driver was on duty, his employer would face liability as well, following labour law. Police will formally question the driver once doctors grant permission and then prepare the case for court.
