CHIANG RAI – A relaxing mountain holiday turned into a nightmare for four tourists in Phetchabun this week. Their car lost power on a steep incline at Phu Thap Boek and tumbled backward down the hill. Luckily, all four passengers survived the terrifying crash with only minor to moderate injuries.
The harrowing incident happened on a steep driveway leading to a local resort off Highway 2331. Fellow travelers rushed to pull the trapped victims from their overturned, smoking vehicle. Emergency responders quickly arrived to transport the injured tourists to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Key Takeaways
- A black Toyota Yaris flipped down a steep resort driveway at Phu Thap Boek in Phetchabun.
- Four passengers were rescued by passing tourists after the car started smoking heavily.
- Authorities suspect the driver was unfamiliar with the extremely steep mountain roads in the area.
Rescue workers from the Sawang Mongkol Sattha Thammasathan Foundation received the emergency call late in the day. When they reached the scene, they found a black Toyota Yaris resting completely upside down. The battered car was sitting beside the main road after rolling down the rocky hillside.
Witnesses reported that the vehicle had attempted to climb the steep path toward a mountainside resort. About halfway up the hill, the car suddenly lost momentum and began rolling backward rapidly. It flipped several times before finally coming to a crashing halt at the bottom.
Dashcam footage from a vehicle parked nearby captured the entire shocking sequence of events. You can clearly see thick smoke pouring from the crushed car right after the hard impact.
Community Action Saves Lives
The quick thinking of other tourists in the area likely prevented a much worse tragedy. They bravely pulled the driver and three passengers out of the smoking car before a fire could start. Once everyone was safe, they immediately contacted local authorities for professional medical assistance.
Paramedics assessed the four victims at the roadside before moving them to Lom Kao Crown Prince Hospital. Medical staff confirmed that one person suffered moderate injuries during the violent rollover crash. The other three passengers walked away with only minor cuts, bruises, and a massive shock.
Local police and rescue teams believe the root cause was a simple lack of mountain driving experience. The roads leading up to Phu Thap Boek are famous for their beautiful views and dangerous curves. Drivers who are not used to steep inclines can easily lose control of their vehicles.
This popular tourist destination in northern Thailand attracts thousands of visitors during the cooler months. However, the challenging terrain demands vehicles in excellent condition and drivers who understand how to use lower gears. Authorities are urging all visitors to exercise extreme caution when navigating these beautiful but risky mountain passes.
If you plan to visit the mountains, always check your brakes and tires before starting your journey. It is also wise to travel during daylight hours when visibility is clear and roads are much safer. Always prioritize basic vehicle safety over rushing to reach your holiday destination.
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