Rayong: A tense scene unfolded in the early morning hours when a van carrying a food vendor collided with a wild elephant crossing the road. The van was severely damaged, and the driver was injured. Authorities are urgently searching for the elephant.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident occurred at approximately 3:15 AM in front of the Pa Yub Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organization on Highway 344, Ban Bueng-Klaeng, at kilometer 71, on the side heading towards Klaeng District, Rayong Province. At the scene, a passenger van was found with its front end severely damaged, the windshield shattered, and the roof and hood heavily caved in from the impact with a large wild elephant. One person was injured: a food vendor who was also the driver, sustaining lacerations to her head and face. Her son and paramedics transported her to the hospital.
Mr. Thanadol, the injured woman's son, recounted that his mother was driving a van loaded with groceries to sell in the morning. While driving along her usual route, she noticed a large shadow on the road. Because of the darkness, she initially thought it was the shadow of a large tree blocking her view. Before she knew it, it was too late to brake, and she collided head-on with an elephant. The elephant, still making noise, fled into the canal and into the forest beside the road.
Initially, officials from the wild elephant tracking team and related agencies deployed to the area to urgently locate the elephant, assess its injuries, and provide assistance and treatment. They also warned motorists using Route 344, especially at night or in high-risk areas where wild elephants often cross roads, to exercise caution, slow down, and avoid honking or accelerating when encountering an elephant. Motorists should stop at a safe distance. Officials believe the elephant that was struck was not "Phlai Mamuang," the famous wild elephant well-known in the area, as the injured elephant was smaller.