Truck stranded on pedestrian bridge
An unusual traffic incident occurred in Samut Sakhon when a pick-up truck became stuck on a pedestrian bridge in front of Wat Ban Khom temple. The bridge, designed exclusively for pedestrians and motorcycles, was not suitable for cars.
Mr. Watcharakiat Seenualchan, village head of Moo 5, Khok Kham, Mueang District, said residents alerted him after seeing the truck attempt to cross the narrow structure. Witnesses reported that the vehicle, carrying a family of three, had driven up most of the bridge before becoming lodged at the steep exit ramp.
Locals help free the vehicle
Unable to turn left or right, the driver received assistance from nearby migrant workers. They rocked the truck back and forth, allowing the driver to carefully reverse it to safety. The incident caused significant difficulty in manoeuvring and drew the attention of local residents.
The mishap was blamed on the driver’s reliance on GPS navigation, which led him onto the pedestrian-only bridge by mistake.
Repeated safety concerns
Mr. Seenualchan noted that this was not the first incident of its kind. Previous similar occurrences prompted discussions about installing barriers at both ends of the bridge. He rejected the idea, citing concerns that the steep incline could endanger motorcyclists attempting to descend at speed.
The event underscores the challenges posed by GPS navigation in areas with infrastructure not designed for larger vehicles and raises questions about safety measures for pedestrian bridges in the district.