BANGKOK, Thailand – A man driving a sedan fell asleep at the wheel early Friday morning, crashing into a toll barrier on the Don Mueang Tollway at Chaeng Watthana 1. The car overturned, landing on its roof, and caught fire, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed.
At 4:49 a.m., the Vibhavadi Police Station received a report of a car fire at the elevated Don Mueang Tollway on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, inbound. Police responded along with the tollway rescue unit and Bang Khen Fire Station. Upon arrival, they found a gray sedan overturned in lane 3 of the toll plaza, engulfed in flames. Firefighters used water to extinguish the blaze within about 10 minutes. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and nearby structures, including metal posts and a canopy, were damaged. Authorities documented the scene for investigation.
The driver, 33-year-old Sarat, told authorities that after dropping off a friend in Laksi, he was returning to his residence near Victory Monument when he suddenly fell asleep while approaching the Chaeng Watthana toll plaza. His car collided with the concrete lane dividers, flipped over, and caught fire in the engine compartment. He managed to escape by opening the door and suffered only minor injuries.
Officials are continuing the investigation and assessing damage to the toll plaza. (TNA)
