Udon thani: A young man driving a pickup truck crashed into a temple wall before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred at Wat Pho Si Sawang, also known as Wat Ban Thon, along the Udon Thani-Kud Chap road. The crash caused significant damage to the temple, particularly affecting the urns containing cremated remains of the deceased.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the moment when the pickup truck lost control and crashed into the temple wall, shattering urns placed near the fence. The driver, aged between 30 and 40, fled the scene before police could arrive, leaving behind a vehicle with a damaged steering wheel and a strong odor. Witnesses reported seeing the driver with head and facial injuries, appearing to be under the influence, before another vehicle arrived, assisting him in leaving the scene.
Udon Thani City Police Station dispatched officers to investigate the incident, leading to the impounding of the damaged pickup truck. Phra Khomkrit Chai Chiangphin, the deputy abbot of Wat Ban Thon, assessed the damage to the temple, noting a large hole in the wall and several damaged stupas, each valued at 32,000 baht. The total estimated damage, including repairs, is at least 100,000 baht. The deputy abbot urged the driver to come forward and take responsibility for the incident.
The location has a history of accidents, with villagers recalling previous crashes, including a fatal one involving a 10-wheel truck 15 years ago. Many locals believe that supernatural forces might be at play, speculating that a ghost could have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.