Brake Failure Triggers Fiery Truck Crash on Highway 304
A truck carrying recycled plastic pellets erupted into flames following a brake failure and tyre explosion on Highway 304 in Prachin Buri province, sparking a major emergency response and traffic disruption.
The incident occurred yesterday near kilometre marker 8 in Bu Phram subdistrict, Na Di district, as the truck was traveling toward Wang Nam Khiao district in Nakhon Ratchasima. Police Major Kamolphop Hanwet of Highway Police Division 5, Subdivision 3, confirmed that the truck lost control on a steep incline after experiencing brake system failure, resulting in a high-friction blowout of the left front tyre.
The vehicle then collided with a roadside barrier and a government-installed soundproof panel before catching fire. The blaze quickly spread to the truck’s cargo of plastic pellets, creating thick smoke and hazardous conditions.
Emergency services, led by the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre of Prachin Buri, responded swiftly. Malinee Jindarat, the centre’s head, stated that the coordinated effort was overseen by Director Weeraphan Deeon and involved multiple agencies including the Na Di district office, Kabin Buri Highway Department, highway police, Wang Khon Daeng District Police, and the Bu Phram Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO).
Fire trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire and manage traffic flow. Despite the severity of the fire, two of the three lanes on the highway remain open to motorists, while the burned-out vehicle is being removed from the scene.
Initial investigations revealed that the truck was en route from Ban Sra Taen in Na Di district to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Authorities believe the fire was triggered when the failing brakes overheated, causing the tyre explosion and subsequent crash.
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, with officials from Na Di district and related agencies actively working on the case.
