LOPBURI, THAILAND – A truck ploughed through a red light at a major intersection in northern Thailand, killing an elderly couple and critically injuring another motorcyclist.
Couple hit while crossing on green
At the Erawan intersection in Mueang Lopburi, married couple Samran (69) and Urai (65) were crossing on a green light when a semi-trailer from Nakhon Sawan sped into the junction and struck two motorcycles. The impact killed the man instantly, hurling his body through the air. His wife suffered severe injuries and died shortly afterwards in hospital.
Third rider in critical condition
A third motorcyclist, Mrs. Ratchanok (63), was also hit and remained in critical condition as medical teams continued efforts to save her life. Two lives were erased in seconds, and another now hangs in the balance. The crash underscored the vulnerability of motorbike riders on Thailand’s busy roads.
Driver admits he failed to stop
The 74-year-old truck driver, Mr. Ched, admitted he did not brake in time as the traffic signal changed.
“I could no longer brake in time when the light turned yellow.”
said Mr. Ched, truck driver. Instead of stopping, the truck continued through the intersection and slammed into the two motorcycles with full force.
Witnesses describe shocking scene
Residents reported a shocking scene of screams, screeching brakes and then sudden silence.
“The residents screamed when the rescue workers arrived.”
said local witnesses. Volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and doctors from Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital provided first aid, but any help came too late for the couple.
Police probe possible negligence
The 74-year-old driver was arrested and faced serious charges of negligent homicide and causing bodily harm. He had been driving from Nakhon Sawan to Saraburi, but the reason he lost control remained unclear. Police secured surveillance footage and questioned witnesses in an effort to piece together the deadly journey.
Deadly truck crashes a recurring issue
Authorities noted that the incident was not an isolated case, as heavy trucks repeatedly caused fatal accidents on Thailand’s roads. Contributing factors often included driver fatigue, excessive speed and risky manoeuvres. The consequences, officials stressed, were always tragic.
Calls for stronger road safety
Thailand’s authorities came under pressure to finally improve road safety nationwide. Investigators examined whether technical failures on the truck or human error were to blame. What was clear, police said, was that two people were dead, a family was destroyed, and the 74-year-old driver would have to answer in court, with the tragedy seen as a wake-up call for better traffic safety in Thailand.