Driver Ignores Warning, Pickup Truck Nearly Swept Away

Heavy rain across Udon Thani province over the past two to three days has caused widespread flooding and water overflow affecting farmland in Chaiyawan, Nong Han, Ku Kaew, Phen, and Ban Dung districts, which are crossed by the main canal system. Water levels remain high. A dashcam recorded a dramatic moment as a pickup truck attempted to pass through a bridge construction zone on Highway 2022 between Sumsai and Ban Dung near Non Ngam and Prasanti villages in Na Kham subdistrict. Officials had set up warning cones and restricted access to the area. When the pickup truck approached, an official warned that passage was impossible due to flooding and potential danger, but the driver ignored the warning and was allowed through. Moments later, the road suddenly collapsed before their eyes, and the truck sank immediately. Officials were shocked, remarking that the driver had been warned but chose to push through anyway. Fortunately, Ban Dung District Officer Suriyont Donsomjit and local residents rushed in to rescue the driver and pull the truck out just before it could be swept away by the current. The district officer is monitoring water levels closely and has warned residents that Highway 2022 in the bridge construction zone is impassable due to road collapse. Alternative routes are available through Nong Han and Ban Dung districts. In Ko Khaem subdistrict of Ku Kaew district, floodwaters have submerged rice fields with water levels dropping only slightly, though residents are taking advantage of the situation to fish in the flooded areas.