In the early hours of October 19, 2025, Thailand’s highway 18 became the scene of a harrowing rescue operation following a devastating vehicle accident in a mountainous section at kilometer 68. According to reports from multiple Thai news outlets, the incident unfolded just before dawn and quickly drew the attention of both local authorities and national rescue organizations, including the Volunteer Rescue Team Thailand (VRTT).
The crash, which occurred on a notoriously winding stretch of road, resulted in two tragic fatalities and left several others injured. The immediate aftermath saw a flurry of activity as emergency calls went out and rescue teams mobilized. The VRTT, known for its expertise in handling complex emergencies, dispatched a significant contingent—reports vary, but numbers range from 76 to over 200 rescuers—to the site. Their mission: to extricate survivors, provide urgent medical care, and restore order to a highway thrown into chaos.
Rescue operations on such treacherous terrain are never straightforward. The steep inclines and narrow bends of the mountainous road presented formidable challenges for both rescuers and their equipment. According to the Bangkok Post, the teams quickly assessed the situation, determining that standard procedures would not suffice. Instead, they deployed specialized equipment, including steel stretchers, rope systems, and pulley rigs, to safely reach victims trapped inside the wreckage.
One member of the VRTT, speaking to Thai PBS, described the scene as "incredibly tense, with every minute counting for those still inside the vehicle." The rescue effort was further complicated by the weight and immobility of one of the injured, who reportedly weighed more than 200 kilograms and was unable to move or assist rescuers due to his condition. This individual had not eaten or drunk water for over two days and was suffering from severe respiratory distress, as well as an inability to control bodily functions. The situation demanded both technical skill and a coordinated team effort.
To manage the extraction, the rescue team decided against using the building’s elevator, which was deemed unsuitable for the task. Instead, they constructed a makeshift rescue system: the patient was carefully placed into a steel basket, secured with ropes and pulleys, and then lowered down the building’s stairwell. Over 20 rescuers worked together to guide the basket safely to the ground floor, a process that took around 30 minutes. Once on the ground, the patient was transferred to an ambulance and rushed to Phra Nang Klao Hospital for emergency treatment.
Yutthapong Chusiri, a member of the Siam Nonthaburi Rescue Unit, explained, "We received a request for help with a patient weighing between 200 and 300 kilograms who could not walk. After speaking with him, we learned he was experiencing severe breathing difficulties and loss of bladder and bowel control. We coordinated with Metta Nakhon Pathom Ratchaburi Rescue, who specialize in rope rescue operations, to bring him safely down since the elevator was not an option."
Jirawan Suwancharoen, a representative from the VRTT, added, "We were contacted to assist a patient with chronic health conditions who hadn’t eaten for two days. He was aware and responsive but very weak. Our team used a steel stretcher and a rope-and-pulley system to lower him down the stairwell, with several people steadying the descent. We had already coordinated with Phra Nang Klao Hospital to ensure immediate care upon arrival."
The rescue operation, which lasted approximately five hours, was marked by both urgency and compassion. While the focus remained on saving lives, the teams also worked to minimize further disruption. Traffic on highway 18 was heavily affected, with long delays as emergency vehicles and equipment occupied the roadway. Authorities set up temporary detours and urged motorists to avoid the area until the situation was under control.
The incident also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by rescue teams in Thailand, where mountainous terrain and densely populated urban areas can make emergency responses especially complex. The VRTT and other organizations have invested in specialized training and equipment to handle such scenarios, but the sheer scale of this operation—requiring the coordination of dozens, if not hundreds, of personnel—was a stark reminder of the unpredictability inherent in rescue work.
Beyond the immediate tragedy of the accident, the event underscored the importance of preparedness and rapid response. According to Matichon Online, the successful extraction of the immobile patient was a testament to the skill and dedication of the rescue teams. Their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances and employ creative solutions likely saved lives that might otherwise have been lost.
As the dust settled on highway 18, questions remained about the causes of the crash and the steps that could be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the accident, including the possibility of mechanical failure or driver error. In the meantime, community leaders and emergency responders have called for renewed efforts to improve road safety, particularly in hazardous areas known for frequent accidents.
For the families of those affected, the pain of loss is compounded by the knowledge that such tragedies are, sadly, not uncommon on Thailand’s roads. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is also a sense of gratitude for the men and women who risk their own safety to help others in their darkest hour. As one rescuer put it, "We do this work because every life matters. When we get the call, we go—no matter how difficult the situation."
In the wake of this incident, the Volunteer Rescue Team Thailand and other emergency services have renewed their appeal for public awareness and caution, especially when traveling through mountainous regions. Their message is simple but urgent: stay alert, drive safely, and know that help is always just a call away—even when the odds seem overwhelming.
Thailand’s rescue community, tested once again by tragedy, continues to stand ready—proving, time and again, the power of teamwork and human determination in the face of adversity.
