BANGKOK, Thailand – A 69-year-old taxi driver narrowly escaped injury after her vehicle suddenly caught fire while she was driving through Bangkok on Friday afternoon. Police from Rat Burana Police Station were notified of the incident at approximately 12:32 p.m. in Soi Suksawat 27, Rat Burana district. Firefighters and rescue personnel rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a taxi engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a yellow taxi parked beside the road with flames and thick black smoke pouring from the passenger compartment. Fire crews quickly deployed water hoses and managed to bring the blaze under control within about 10 minutes, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.
The driver, identified only as Mrs. Ratchanigorn, 69, suffered minor burns to her arms and legs and was left badly shaken by the ordeal. She told authorities that she had been driving home to Samut Prakan after leaving Bang Pakok Market when she noticed a burning smell inside the vehicle. Moments later, smoke began emerging from beneath the dashboard near the air-conditioning vents. Realizing something was wrong, she pulled off the road and turned into a nearby side street in search of a safe place to stop. However, shortly after parking, flames spread rapidly through the vehicle.
The driver quickly grabbed essential belongings and important documents before fleeing the taxi, fearing she could become trapped if the fire intensified. According to the owner, the 12-year-old taxi was powered solely by NGV (natural gas vehicle fuel) and had not been modified. The vehicle had undergone regular annual inspections and had never previously shown signs of electrical or engine problems. The fire caused extensive damage, leaving the taxi nearly destroyed. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze. Forensic investigators and relevant agencies are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the vehicle to establish what triggered the fire.
