PATTAYA, THAILAND – A man in an apparent acute mental crisis was struck by a pickup truck and critically injured on Route 7 near Pattaya on the evening of 23 February, causing major traffic disruption as rescuers and police fought to stabilize the situation and get him to hospital.
Severely injured pedestrian on the motorway
Emergency services were alerted at around 7:00 p.m. to a call about a pedestrian accident on the outbound carriageway of Motorway No. 7 towards Chonburi, shortly before the North Pattaya exit in Nongprue subdistrict.
At the scene, responders found a man estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old with severe injuries, numerous abrasions and a head wound. They reported that he appeared clearly disoriented and panicked.
On-site treatment and hospital transfer
Rescue workers provided first aid directly on the motorway to stabilize the injured man. He was then transported for further treatment to Bhattamakun Hospital.
According to emergency personnel, his condition was assessed as critical, while traffic on the heavily used route slowed to a standstill during the operation.
Damaged pickup and reconstruction of events
In the immediate vicinity, responders found a black Ford pickup with Chonburi licence plates. The right front of the vehicle was heavily damaged and showed clear signs of a violent impact.
Rescue workers said police had previously reported an injured person in the area, but the exact circumstances had initially remained unclear.
Flight over concrete barrier into oncoming traffic
When the rescue team arrived, the man allegedly became extremely agitated at the sight of the helpers. He reportedly climbed over a concrete barrier and immediately ran onto the lanes of oncoming traffic.
There he was hit by the passing pickup, which, according to those involved, had been travelling straight ahead in its lane at the time of the collision.
Driver’s statement and ongoing investigation
The driver, identified to police only under the pseudonym “Mr. O”, told officers he had been on his way home when the man suddenly jumped over the barrier and appeared directly in front of his vehicle.
“I had no chance to avoid the collision despite trying to swerve,”
said Mr. O, the pickup driver.
He explained that several vehicles had been driving closely behind him, making an abrupt emergency braking manoeuvre almost impossible.
Police and doctors examine possible background
The responsible authorities continued their investigations into the course of the accident and possible underlying factors. Meanwhile, medical teams at Bhattamakun Hospital kept the man’s condition under close observation.
According to initial assessments by rescuers, an acute psychological stress situation may have played a role. For this reason, in addition to the traffic police inquiry, the man’s medical and mental health history was expected to be of particular importance.