In the early hours of August 4, 2023, a devastating accident occurred at the intersection passing through Khlong Udom Railway, near Khlong Udom Chonchon Railway Station in Chachoengsao Province. A freight train, carrying flour in a container, collided with a pick-up truck, resulting in 8 fatalities and several injuries.
Police Lieutenant Theerawat Phonprasit, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Muang Chachoengsao Police Station, reported the incident and immediately coordinated with medical teams from Phuttha Sothon Hospital and Chachoengsao Rescue Officers to provide assistance at the scene.
Upon arriving at the crash site, rescuers found the deceased lying in a row beside the railroad tracks, with 5 men and 3 women among the victims. Additionally, three others were found injured.
The driver of the pick-up truck, Mr. Wichai Yulek, 55, revealed that he was transporting workers from Wat Bua Roi in Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, to a fish pond in Khlong Udomchonlachon area in Mueang Chachoengsao District. As they approached the train crossing, he saw a train approaching, but the passengers in the vehicle urged him to continue crossing. Unfortunately, the train struck the back of their pick-up truck as they attempted to cross, causing the vehicle to spin and overturn, leading to fatalities and injuries among the passengers.
One survivor, Mr. Surapat Prasop, 20, mentioned that he was among the workers in the pick-up truck who had come to fish at the pond. He noticed the train coming at high speed and decided to jump out of the vehicle just in time to avoid the collision.
The owner of the fish pond, Mr. Wichien Saengthapson, 58, expressed shock and sorrow upon learning about the accident involving the workers he had hired for the fishing job. He was at the pit when he heard the train whistle several times, not anticipating that it would result in such a tragic accident with 8 lives lost.
Authorities have transported the bodies of the deceased to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for detailed autopsies. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing as the community mourns the loss of lives in this devastating incident.
