SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – A couple’s newly purchased used car burst into flames on a busy bridge in Samut Prakan and was completely destroyed, but both occupants escaped unharmed.
Car erupted in flames on Kanchanaphisek Bridge
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at around 7:30 p.m. on the Kanchanaphisek Bridge in Samut Prakan. The 50-year-old Wicharn noticed smoke suddenly rising from the hood while he was driving. Within minutes, the vehicle was engulfed in flames.
Driver and wife escaped without injuries
As the first flames appeared from the engine compartment, the man pulled over to the side of the road. He and his wife managed to get to safety unharmed.
“It all happened very quickly. The smoke came suddenly, then the whole car was already in flames,”
said Wicharn, car owner.
Bystanders failed to stop blaze in strong winds
Several passing motorists stopped and tried to help with fire extinguishers, but strong winds on the bridge kept fanning the flames. The fire was brought under control about ten minutes after the fire brigade arrived, by which time the vehicle was a complete write-off. Crews from the Lat Luang fire brigade, the expressway rescue service and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation took part in the operation.
Newly bought used Toyota destroyed
The burned vehicle was a bronze Toyota Avanza with seven seats. The couple had bought it the same day in Suphan Buri for 75,000 baht (about 1,880 euros). On the return journey to their home district of Phraek Sa in Samut Prakan, their joy over the new purchase ended in disaster.
Emotional loss after brief joy
“We were so happy to finally have our own car. Now everything is just ashes,”
said the visibly shaken wife, car co-owner. For the couple, the financial loss was considerable, and with such an old vehicle, insurance was unlikely to cover the full value. Yet they emphasized that the material damage was secondary.
Police investigating cause of fire
Phra Pradaeng police opened an investigation into the cause of the blaze. Technicians were set to examine the burned-out wreck in detail to determine how the fire started. A technical defect such as an electrical short circuit or a problem with the fuel line was considered possible, but the exact cause remained unclear.
Traffic quickly restored after recovery
The destroyed vehicle was towed away from the scene. Traffic on the important bridge was able to flow again after a short time. No other vehicles were reported damaged in the incident.
Similar vehicle fires reported in Thailand
Authorities noted that such cases were not isolated. Recently in Phuket, a foreign man was taken to hospital after his car caught fire on the road. Firefighters there took about 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Calls for thorough checks on used cars
Incidents like these highlighted the importance of regular vehicle inspections in Thailand. Experts pointed out that, especially for used cars, a thorough check by a trusted workshop should take place before purchase. Routine maintenance could help reduce the risk of sudden technical failures.
“Our lives are worth more than the car”
Despite the financial setback, the couple focused on their survival. In the rush to escape, they were able to save all important documents and valuables from the car.
“The car is only metal. Our lives are worth much more,”
said Wicharn, summing up his feelings as he looked at the smoking wreck.