Driver killed in power pole crash in Phuket
A van crash in Phuket caused a transformer explosion and fire, leading to the driver’s electrocution.
Image for illustrative purposes
Thailand, Phuket: In the early hours of 15 May, a van collided with a high-voltage utility pole in Wichit, Phuket, triggering a transformer explosion and fire that led to the death of the driver, Thanakorn Patavong, aged 29.
The crash occurred around 1:20 a.m. in Soi Thep Anusorn, with no other vehicles involved. Authorities suspect the driver may have fallen asleep, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Police Lieutenant Fonthip Kaewsaen from Wichit Police Station received the report, and emergency services were dispatched, including rescue teams from the Kusoltham Phuket Foundation, medical staff from Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and a forensic pathologist from Vachira Phuket Hospital.
A silver-grey Toyota van was found with severe front-end damage. The leaning utility pole created an active electrical hazard, requiring the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority to cut power before rescue efforts could proceed.
Rescue personnel attempted to extract the driver, whose legs were trapped beneath the dashboard, but were delayed due to the collapsed pole. A large crane was brought in, and recovery took nearly two hours.
Witnesses described hearing the crash and seeing flames after a loud transformer blast. The driver’s body has been sent for autopsy.
Source: The Thaiger
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