Car Strikes Wild Elephant, Bursts Into Flames, Killing 70-Year-Old Passenger; Three Elephants Spotted Crossing Road
A Toyota Corolla collided with a wild elephant on a Kanchanaburi highway on May 19, catching fire and killing a 70-year-old passenger, as three elephants were crossing the road.
A Toyota Corolla sedan struck a wild elephant on Highway 323 in Wang Dang subdistrict, Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province, on the evening of May 19, causing the vehicle to lose control and catch fire, destroying it completely. The passenger, a 70-year-old man, died at the scene, while the driver, 64, and rear passenger, 74, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Phahol Phon Phayuhon Hospital for emergency treatment.
According to eyewitness accounts, three wild elephants were crossing the road when the vehicle collided with the second elephant with great force. Following the incident, wildlife officials from Salekhphra Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park coordinated closely to monitor the area throughout the night and prevent further accidents.
Staff led by Sudthai Pobkheaw tracked the three elephants, following their footprints and fresh dung from the accident site through a private factory zone and northward past limestone formations. Recent tracks were found in a cassava field heading toward a golf course area in Ban Khao Phuloem, Mueang district. Initial investigation found no signs of injuries or blood from the elephants, though officials continue tracking efforts. Environment Minister Suchat Choomklin expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of public safety while promoting sustainable coexistence between communities and wild elephants.
