CHIANG MAI – Widespread chaos followed a serious crash involving a speeding pickup truck delivering a popular brand of bottled water that lost control on a curve, slamming into a row of utility poles.
This caused dozens of poles to snap and fall onto homes, shops, and vehicles nearby, leaving a trail of severe damage. The accident also caused a major power outage that affected several areas.
The driver was left with serious injuries, while the passenger died from his wounds. Provincial electricity teams rushed to the site to repair the damage as quickly as possible. Authorities are still evaluating the total cost of the incident.
The crash happened around 3.00 pm on Tuesday. A pickup, registration number ผห-3933 Chiang Mai, was fully loaded with Nakharat bottled water when it lost control near the Phamuang Taskforce Intersection in Chang Phueak district, Chiang Mai.
The pickup truck was heading from the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre toward Chang Phueak Police Station. Speed was likely a factor as the truck veered off-course on the curve, crashing hard into a utility pole. The impact caused several poles to snap and topple over, some crashing down for nearly a kilometre.
Several homes and businesses were left with heavy damage after the poles fell onto rooftops, cars, and motorbikes. More than ten buildings in the area suffered losses. Downed power lines sparked a small fire at a restaurant, but emergency crews responded quickly and managed to put out the flames before they spread.
Both the driver and the passenger, both men, suffered critical injuries. Medics rushed them to the hospital, but the passenger did not survive. The driver remains in a serious condition.
Police examining the scene found long skid marks, suggesting the truck was travelling at high speed before losing control in the curve. Officers collected evidence to determine the cause.
Dr Thongsuk Wongsopa, manager at the Provincial Electricity Authority branch in Chiang Mai 2, shared that the crash led to power outages across several districts for around 15 minutes. Areas affected included Mae Rim, Mae Jo, San Sai, Doi Saket, and parts of the city.
Power returned soon after in most areas. The snapped poles were part of a 115 kV transmission line, supplying the Mae Rim substation, which helps reduce voltage before distribution to homes. Only local power along Nong Ho Road remained cut off.
Crews were sent out immediately to clear the fallen poles and repair the tangled lines. Their first job was to cut the power lines and remove debris from the road so traffic could pass through again.
Repairs were expected to continue through the night and into the morning to restore service as quickly as possible. Officials could not say exactly how long full repairs would take, and the exact cost of the damage will be calculated later. The driver is expected to be held responsible for the losses.
News outlets reported that dashcam footage clearly showed the pickup speeding into the curve and losing control, striking a pole at high speed and causing others to fall in sequence. Nearby residents and business owners said the crash happened suddenly and caused extensive damage.
Some reported being startled by the noise but were able to escape their homes without harm. The quick response from emergency teams helped prevent more injuries and limited further damage to the area.
Speeding is a leading cause of road accidents in Thailand, contributing significantly to the country’s high traffic fatality rates. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles, navigate sharp turns, or stop in time, often resulting in severe collisions.
According to reports, speeding accounts for a substantial portion of Thailand’s annual road crashes, particularly on highways and rural roads where enforcement can be inconsistent. These accidents frequently involve pickup trucks and motorcycles, which are prevalent in Thailand, and lead to devastating injuries or fatalities.
Despite efforts to improve road safety through stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns, speeding remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by cultural attitudes toward fast driving and inadequate infrastructure in some areas.
