Van Collides with Wild Elephant on Rayong Road

On August 10, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m., a serious traffic accident occurred on Highway 344 (Ban Bueng-Klaeng) in front of the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Rayong province. According to Khaosod Online, a van driven by a local food vendor collided with a wild elephant that was crossing the road in the dark.

The impact caused severe damage to the front of the vehicle, including a crushed hood and shattered windshield. The driver sustained head and facial injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Her son reported that she did not see the animal in the darkness, initially mistaking it for a large tree shadow before the collision occurred.

The elephant, which was also injured, vocalized after the impact before retreating into the nearby forest toward a reservoir. Local authorities and wildlife tracking teams have been deployed to locate the animal to assess its condition and provide necessary medical assistance.

For travelers and residents, this incident highlights the risks of driving on rural roads near forested areas at night, where wildlife crossings are difficult to detect. While the search for the elephant is ongoing, the exact extent of the animal's injuries and its current location remain to be confirmed by wildlife officials.