AMNAT CHAROEN, THAILAND – A speeding pickup truck triggered a deadly chain-reaction crash at a red light, leaving one man dead and 11 people injured.
Multi-vehicle collision at Ban Na Rai Yai junction
The collision occurred around 1 p.m. on 29 December at a traffic light in Senangkhanikhom district, where emergency services reported chaotic scenes. A black Toyota pickup travelling at high speed slammed into a line of vehicles waiting at the red light, first hitting a white Mitsubishi pickup. The force of the impact pushed another pickup and two motorcycles into the crash at the front of the line.
Eleven injured, motorcyclist dies in hospital
According to initial reports, 11 people – seven men and four women – were injured in the collision. Rescue workers from the Phetkasem Foundation pulled victims from the heavily damaged vehicles. A seriously injured motorcyclist was taken with the other casualties to Senangkhanikhom Hospital but died later the same day from his injuries.
Police probe cause of high-speed impact
Investigators at Senangkhanikhom police station said the vehicles at the light had been stopped correctly when the black pickup crashed into them from behind.
“We are currently taking statements from drivers and witnesses and examining the vehicles,”
said local police, adding that it remained unclear whether fatigue, distraction or excessive speed caused the crash.
Grim warning ahead of “Seven Dangerous Days”
Authorities described the accident as a stark warning at the start of Thailand’s notoriously risky New Year travel period. From 30 December, the so-called “Seven Dangerous Days” began, a week in which crash figures traditionally surge. Officials had launched extensive information campaigns against speeding and drunk driving, but the incident underlined that danger on the roads remained ever-present.
Appeal for extra caution on holiday roads
In response, police urged all road users to exercise particular caution over the festive period. They warned that long journeys, crowded roads and risky behaviour formed a potentially deadly combination. The investigation in Amnat Charoen was continuing, while one family faced the New Year in mourning – a sombre reminder to everyone travelling during these high-risk days.