Drunk Driver Drags Sanitation Worker to Death in Chiang Mai
An intoxicated driver struck and killed a 67‑year‑old municipal sanitation worker in Chiang Mai early on October 5, dragging her body more than 100 meters before stopping. Police recorded a blood‑alcohol level of 172 mg % and charged the 48‑year‑old suspect with drunk driving, though he was released on bail after confessing and staying at the scene. The victim, Somjit, was taken to Chiang Mai Maharaj Hospital for an autopsy.
A car slammed into a municipal sanitation worker, killing her instantly. The driver was found to be heavily intoxicated, registering a blood alcohol level of 172 milligrams percent. Witnesses reported that the vehicle dragged the victim's body along the road for more than 100 meters.
On October 5, 2026, reporters provided an update on the case in which a car struck a street sweeper from Chiang Mai Municipality, resulting in death at the scene at 04:35 a.m. on Boon Reung Ritt Road, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province. The victim was identified as Somjit, a 67‑year‑old sanitation worker with Chiang Mai Municipality.
Later, rescuers from the Phetkasem Chiang Mai Foundation said they found Somjit's body trapped under the car and had to use lifting equipment to free it, but discovered she had already died, causing grief among her coworkers. Before transferring her body to Chiang Mai Maharaj Hospital for an autopsy, the rescuers lifted the vehicle.
During the rescue, they encountered 48‑year‑old Chumnap, the car driver, who appeared drunk and prostrated himself before the victim's body, saying it was not intentional and waiting to turn himself in to investigators.
Eyewitnesses stated that while driving along Boon Reung Ritt Road, they noticed the car moving erratically, swerving side to side. Upon closer look, they were shocked to see a person clinging to the underside of the vehicle. They honked to get the driver to stop, but he did not, dragging the body over 100 meters along the road. They then signaled a passing motorcycle rider to block the car's path, which finally caused it to stop, before calling rescuers for assistance.
Pol. Col. Pratchaya Thila, Superintendent of Chiang Mai City Police Station, said after the incident officers detained the driver for alcohol testing, which showed 172 milligrams percent. He was charged with driving under the influence. However, investigators noted that the suspect remained at the scene awaiting police, showed no intention to flee, and confessed, so he was released on bail with legal representation. The investigation will proceed to prosecute him for drunk driving.
