Fatal Rockfall Incident on Highway 106 in Lampang

On September 8, 2026, a tragic accident occurred on Highway 106 (Thoen–Li route) in the Na Pong sub-district of Thoen, Lampang. According to reports from Khaosod Online, a 42-year-old man identified as Mr. Sonthaya was driving his grey Isuzu pickup truck toward Chiang Mai when a boulder weighing approximately 100 kilograms detached from a cliffside and struck his vehicle.

The impact caused the roof of the truck to collapse, resulting in the immediate death of the driver. His 40-year-old girlfriend, who was a passenger in the vehicle, survived the incident. Local authorities, including the Thoen Police Station, medical personnel from Thoen Hospital, and disaster prevention teams, responded to the scene near kilometer marker 117 following the report at 5:30 PM.

For travelers and residents, this incident highlights the inherent risks of driving through mountainous terrain in Thailand, particularly during or after periods of heavy rain which can destabilize cliff faces. While this specific stretch of Highway 106 is a common route for those traveling between Lampang and Lamphun, motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when passing through steep, rocky areas. At this time, it remains to be confirmed whether local authorities will implement additional safety measures or geological surveys to prevent future rockfalls in this specific location.