PATTAYA, Thailand – Traffic on Thailand’s Motorway No. 7 (M7) was thrown into chaos on June 12 after hundreds of nuts and screws spilled across the outbound carriageway, causing multiple vehicles to suffer punctured tires. The incident occurred on one of Thailand’s busiest transport routes, which connects Bangkok with Chonburi, Laem Chabang Port, Pattaya, and the Eastern Seaboard industrial zone, serving both tourists and commercial traffic traveling between the capital and the eastern region. According to the Department of Highways, the incident occurred at approximately 12:38 p.m. near Kilometer Marker 39+600 on the outbound side of the motorway. Initial investigations using traffic control center cameras revealed that the debris fell from a pickup truck carrying materials that had not been properly secured. Officials said the vehicle’s tailgate was left open and its load was inadequately covered, allowing nuts and screws to scatter across the roadway. The hazard quickly led to tire damage for several motorists traveling through the area.
After receiving reports from the Motorway Control Center at around 12:52 p.m., highway maintenance teams, traffic control officers, and Highway Police rushed to the scene. Authorities temporarily closed traffic lanes while crews worked to remove the debris and inspect the road surface for safety. Officials confirmed that all nuts and screws were successfully cleared from the motorway and that a thorough inspection found no remaining hazards. Full traffic flow was restored at approximately 1:34 p.m., allowing motorists to resume normal travel. The Department of Highways is now reviewing CCTV footage and traffic records to identify and locate the pickup truck responsible for the incident. Authorities intend to pursue legal action and ensure compensation for affected motorists. At least one driver has already filed an official police report regarding vehicle damage caused by the roadway debris.
Motorists who suffered damage from the incident are encouraged to contact the Phan Thong Motorway Maintenance Unit at 080-359-9395 to provide details and assist authorities in documenting claims. The Department of Highways has reminded drivers and transport operators to properly secure all cargo, cover loads adequately, and ensure tailgates are fully closed before traveling. Officials warned that unsecured loads can create serious hazards, cause property damage, and endanger other road users. Authorities also apologized for the disruption and urged motorists to report roadway hazards or fallen objects via the Highway Department’s 24-hour hotline, 1586, press 7. The department said it would continue investigating the incident and work to hold the responsible driver accountable for the damage caused to road users.
Earlier Report: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/nail-trap-on-pattaya-motorway-damages-nearly-100-vehicles-553260
