Car Engulfed in Flames at Khao Yai Viewpoint; Driver Narrowly Escapes Before Explosion
A sedan caught fire at Khao Yai National Park's viewpoint on April 27 after the driver noticed smoke from the engine; she escaped safely before the vehicle was completely destroyed.
On April 27, 2569, Chaiyya Huai Hongthong, director of Khao Yai National Park, received a report of a private vehicle fire that broke out spontaneously at the viewpoint parking area at kilometer 30 on Thanarart Road in Moo Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He ordered the park's water truck to be deployed and coordinated with the Moo Si Municipal Fire Department to respond. Assistant Park Director Ratchanee Chokcharoen supervised the operation on site.
Upon arrival, officials found a black sedan with Bangkok license plates engulfed in intense flames originating from the engine compartment and spreading throughout the vehicle. Firefighters rapidly deployed water to prevent the fire from spreading into the nearby forest. It took more than 30 minutes to extinguish the fire completely, leaving the vehicle totally destroyed.
Interviewed at the scene, the 26-year-old female car owner from Kamphaeng Phet recounted the frightening moments. She had driven to the national park for sightseeing and parked at the viewpoint to take photos. Suddenly, she noticed abnormal smoke billowing from under the hood, followed by flames shooting out rapidly. She immediately made the decision to flee the vehicle before the fire engulfed it entirely.
Authorities initially suspect the fire resulted from prolonged uphill driving combined with the extremely hot weather in the area. The engine, equipped with a dual fuel system (LPG and gasoline), accumulated excessive heat until reaching a critical point and igniting. Further detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported.
It was noted that April 27 marked the first perpendicular position of the sun over Bangkok this year, when Thailand receives maximum solar energy. The National Astronomical Research Institute (NARIT) has previously indicated that April-May experiences extremely hot conditions, easily causing engine heat accumulation if not properly maintained.
