Pattaya Car Crash Leads to Explosion, Driver Miraculously Survives

February 1, 2024

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Pattaya —

A disastrous car accident that subsequently led to an explosion occurred on Wednesday night, January 31st, at the front of Soi Chaiphonwithi 15 in Pattaya.

At around 11 PM, a bronze Toyota pickup truck, with Bangkok license plates, collided with a high-voltage electric pole, igniting a fire that threatened to spread. The accident prompted a response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescue teams, who swiftly arrived at the scene in Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi.

There, rescuers found a severely damaged bronze Toyota pickup truck wedged against a high-voltage electric pole, which had become engulfed in flames. Fortunately, its driver, identified as 40-year-old Mr. Virat Thongkham, who was previously trapped inside, was already dragged out of the burning wreckage by local residents just moments before the car exploded. Their quick action undoubtedly saved Mr. Virat’s life.

Following the rescue, firefighters from the Nongprue Municipality arrived and battled the flames for 30 minutes. Using water trucks, they successfully extinguished the fire and prevented further damage. The aftermath revealed extensive damage to the vehicle, and the inferno caused the destruction of power and communication lines, leading to a temporary blackout in the surrounding area.

One of the heroic residents, Mr. Ong-ard Kwanthong, 40, described the chaotic scene. He and three others worked together to break the driver’s side window and extract Mr. Virat who was unconscious. Miraculously, the vehicle exploded less than a minute after they managed to pull him free.

Mr. Virat received initial medical attention from rescue personnel on-site before being rushed to Banglamung Hospital for further treatment. His current condition is unknown.