MAE HONG SON, Thailand – Three people escaped a burning pickup on a treacherous mountain highway Saturday, just minutes before the vehicle was engulfed.
The white Mitsubishi Pajero burst into flames on Highway 1095 between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. No one was hurt.
Dramatic escape on Highway 1095
The fire erupted at around 12:20 pm on August 2, 2026, as the group neared Mae Taeng district. The vehicle carried two Thais — a woman and a man — plus a Western foreigner.
They were heading back from a day trip when flames suddenly erupted. The driver pulled over immediately.
Flames started at the rear
First reports indicate the fire began in the back of the Pajero. The three passengers managed to grab some luggage before the blaze consumed the cabin.
The exact cause remains unknown.
Total wreckage and oil on the road
Rescue teams from Pai Samakkhi, along with firefighters from Thung Yao and Mae Hi, arrived to find the car fully ablaze. They doused the flames quickly, but the vehicle was a total loss.
A dangerous oil slick now coats the road between kilometre markers 78 and 79, near the Ban Huai Wan junction. Police directed traffic to prevent secondary crashes on the greasy surface.
Police chief Phasawin Kaewtai coordinated the rescue operation. He dispatched patrols from the Mae Ping and Mae Ya checkpoints to the scene.
said police reports.
Emergency crews worked together to fight the fire and contain the spilled oil. The passengers are now handling insurance matters on their own.
Authorities issue urgent warning
The incident has prompted a police appeal to all drivers on the demanding Highway 1095. The route is notorious for its sharp curves and steep climbs.
Officers urge motorists to slow down, check their vehicles thoroughly before long trips, and ideally carry a small fire extinguisher.