Car crashes into elephant in Thailand, man, 70, dies

A 70-year-old man died after the car he was travelling in collided with a wild elephant in Thailand.

Two other men in the vehicle sustained injuries.

The car was engulfed in flames post-accident.

The incident in Kanchanaburi province occurred on May 19 at about 9pm on the inbound stretch of Highway 323 towards Muang district in Wang Dong subdistrict, Thaiger & Bangkok Post reported.

Area poorly lit

Emergency responders, including doctors from Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital, forensic officers, wildlife officers and rescue volunteers, arrived at the scene.

According to local police, despite nearby street lighting, the area was poorly lit.

A bronze Toyota Corolla was found by the road, its engine compartment on fire.

The front of the vehicle was crushed.

Firefighters extinguished the fire before investigators arrived.

Three men in car

Three men were travelling in the vehicle.

The deceased, identified as Chukiat, was found dead in the front passenger seat.

The 64-year-old driver, identified as Charn, and a 74-year-old rear seat passenger, identified as Suppanat, sustained injuries from the collision and were conveyed to the hospital for treatment.

The men were residents of Muang district in Kanchanaburi.

The vehicle was taken to the Lat Ya police station for further inspection.

Investigations

The wild elephant involved apparently came from the Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary.

The elephant, along with an unknown number of others, was believed to have crossed the Khwae Yai River in search of food.

The elephant then attempted to cross the highway before colliding with the vehicle.

The condition of the elephant or any other animals involved remains unclear.

According to Khaosod, vehicle collisions with wild elephants are common on Highway 3199, which connects Kanchanaburi to Si Sawat.

However, this is the first time that such an accident has occurred on Highway 323.