Wiang Chai, Chiang Rai – A devastating collision at a notorious intersection in Wiang Chai district has resulted in the deaths of four people and left a twelve-year-old girl fighting for her life.
Death Trap Blinking Light
The incident occurred shortly after 10:00 PM on June 10, when a white Toyota pickup truck collided with a passenger car at the intersection of main roads 1142 and 1151. At the time of the crash, the traffic signals were operating in a flashing mode, a situation local residents have long feared.
Wisa, the 34-year-old driver of the pickup, stated he was traveling at speeds between 80 and 90 km/h. He reported not noticing the white Honda City, which was crossing the intersection, in time to avoid the collision.
Two Meters Deep Into Sheet Metal
The impact was catastrophic. The pickup struck the car laterally, crushing the vehicle’s body for approximately two meters. The force of the collision ejected the Honda from the roadway, sending it directly into a power pole on the central island.
Both front wheels of the pickup were torn off, and the vehicle came to rest 20 meters from the impact site. Tire marks indicated braking occurred over a significant distance, but the decisive braking action appeared to have been initiated too late.
Five Relatives Trapped in Wreckage
Five people, all related, were inside the Honda City. Rescue crews had to use hydraulic equipment to extricate the occupants from the severely damaged vehicle. Three individuals – the 41-year-old driver Uthen, 70-year-old Tha, and 66-year-old Chanthip – were pronounced dead at the scene.
Another victim, 46-year-old Uthai, succumbed to his severe injuries shortly after arriving at Somdet Phra Yan Sangworn Wiang Chai Hospital. The twelve-year-old girl, Suthaphat, survived with critical injuries and is receiving medical care.
Pickup Driver in Shock, But Uninjured
Wisa, who hails from Si Sa Ket province, escaped physical harm. He remained at the scene awaiting police and explained he was on his way to pick up fruit in Chiang Khong.
He had previously driven through the city area of Chiang Rai and along the new Nong Luang bypass road. He stated he could not prevent the collision with the oncoming car.
Lhing Kunchon Intersection Known as Death Trap
Local residents and towing company workers involved in the recovery effort described the Lhing Kunchon intersection as a notorious accident blackspot. Since the opening of the bypass road, numerous severe collisions, resulting in dozens of fatalities, have occurred at this location.
Just last month, another fatal accident took place at the same intersection. The public’s demand is clear: the traffic lights must operate with standard green-red signals around the clock, and additional surveillance cameras need to be installed.
Investigations Underway
Police secured footage from surveillance cameras and meticulously recorded evidence at the accident site. The aim is to reconstruct the exact sequence of events and initiate legal proceedings. Further investigations will determine if excessive speed, disregard for the blinking light signal, or a driving error led to the deaths of four people.