RAYONG – A female vendor was injured when her van slammed into a massive wild elephant on Route 344. She was driving with her son to haul goods for the morning food sale. The elephant was also hurt and vanished into a forest area.
The smash happened on August 10, 2026 at around 3:15 a.m. on Route 344 between Ban Bueng and Klaeng. It occurred near the Pa Yup Nai sub-district administrative organisation at kilometre 71+100 on the lane heading toward Klaeng.
The driver was injured in the crash. Helpers gave first aid and rushed her to a private hospital in Chon Buri province for further checks and treatment.
Front of the van completely destroyed
Rescuers from the Pa Yup Nai administrative organisation found the van with its front heavily damaged. The windshield was smashed. The roof and bonnet were crushed from the impact.
Thanadon Khamdee, the injured woman’s son, said his mother was behind the wheel of the goods-laden van to prep for the morning sale. At first they spotted a large object ahead and, in the pitch black, thought it was the shadow of a tree.
Elephant flees toward the forest
By the time the pair realised it was a live elephant, the distance was too short to stop. The van slammed into the animal with enormous force. After the collision, they heard the elephant scream.
The injured animal staggered off calling out, ran into a canal and disappeared into the woods beside the road heading toward a reservoir. Wild elephant search teams and authorities sent out staff to find the elephant, check its injuries and arrange treatment if needed.
Authorities warn about wild elephants
Officials are urging drivers on Route 344 to be extra careful. They want them to reduce speed. This applies especially at night and in areas where wild elephants often cross the road.
Anyone who sees an elephant on the road should not honk or rev the engine to drive the animal away. Instead, drivers should stop at a safe distance to prevent further accidents.