Samut prakan: A trailer truck snagged power lines at the entrance to Bang Pu Industrial Estate, resulting in the collapse of over 70 utility poles and a significant power outage across the area. The truck driver confessed to being unfamiliar with the road and unable to see the power lines due to the darkness. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) is currently executing an emergency plan, with hopes of restoring power by tonight.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred when a container truck was navigating a curve in front of Samut Prakan Hospital before ascending the bridge leading to Bang Pu Industrial Estate on Sukhumvit Road in the Mueang Samut Prakan district. During the turn, the truck inadvertently snagged power lines, leading to the fall of over 70 utility poles and an immediate power outage. Fortunately, the main Sukhumvit Road remained unaffected, and there were no injuries or fatalities reported.
The truck driver, Mr. Tu, admitted that his unfamiliarity with the route and the dim lighting contributed to the accident. He was delivering goods to Bangpu Industrial Estate and was following directions from friends. As he turned into a side street and drove up a hill, he could not see the power lines above and felt his truck snag on them, attempting to stop but finding it too late.
The collapse of the power poles has caused damages estimated to be several million baht. Following the incident, the MEA inspected the affected areas and cut off power to prevent further risks. Sergeant Soracha Phanchai, an MEA overhead line technician, noted that approximately 70 medium and low-voltage poles, about 12 meters high, were damaged, along with transformers and system components.
MEA's emergency plan involves mobilizing personnel from surrounding districts and their central office to expedite repairs. Temporary adjustments to power lines are underway to restore service, with permanent repairs planned subsequently. The work is projected to continue until 11 PM tonight.
Despite the severe damage, officials have managed to temporarily restore power to some affected regions. The full extent of the damage is still under evaluation, as the collapse affected streetlights, CCTV camera poles, and bus stop signs. The Bang Pu Subdistrict Municipality and related agencies are conducting further assessments. Police verified that the truck driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.