Driver dies when pickup hits elephant on road in Khao Yai

Driver dies when pickup hits elephant on road in Khao Yai

Police inspect the wreckage of the vehicle that hit a wild elephant crossing a road in Khao Yai National Park, in Nakhon Ratchasima, on Wednesday night. The driver died. The elephant was found injured in the forest, but still able to walk. (Photo grabbed from a clip by Pak Chong Time Facebook page)
Police inspect the wreckage of the vehicle that hit a wild elephant crossing a road in Khao Yai National Park, in Nakhon Ratchasima, on Wednesday night. The driver died. The elephant was found injured in the forest, but still able to walk. (Photo grabbed from a clip by Pak Chong Time Facebook page)

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The driver of a pickup truck died when he crashed into a wild elephant crossing a road through Khao Yai National Park in Pak Chong district early on Wednesday night.

Nakharin Boonchai, 58, of Bangkok, was alive but badly hurt and still trapped inside the wrecked vehicle when police and rescuers reached the scene, on Phan Suek-Kud Khla Road in tambon Moo Si, after being alerted around 7.15pm.

Medics performed CPR but he died shortly after.

Residents who witnessed the crash told police that two wild elephants were crossing the road when the speeding pickup truck arrived. It hit the rear elephant. 

They had waved their hands, trying to warn the driver in time for him to avoid the animals. He did not see them because it was too dark. Elephants often cross the road in that area, Thai media reported.

Khao Yai National Park officials and police were sent to track down the elephant involved in the crash.  When found about 9pm it was seen to have injuries to two legs - one front and one hind leg. Bleeding was visible on the hind leg, but the animal could still walk.

They kept a close watch on the animal overnight. Veterinarians were expected to arrive there on Thursday morning and would assess the animal's condition and provide treatment if needed. 

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