Engine Failure Causes Traffic Disruption on Kata Hill, Phuket

On August 3, 2026, a viral dashcam video captured a traffic incident on the road leading up to Kata Hill in Karon, Phuket. The footage showed a closed-box pickup truck emitting a continuous, dense cloud of white smoke, which significantly reduced visibility for drivers in the area and forced following vehicles to slow down for safety.

According to Khaosod Online Thailand, Police Colonel Pathapee Srichai, Superintendent of Karon Police Station, confirmed that the vehicle involved was a pickup truck with the license plate BM 9057 Phuket. The incident was attributed to a mechanical failure within the engine, which caused the heavy smoke emission. Following the breakdown, the owner arranged for a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the scene and transport it to a repair shop, allowing traffic flow to return to normal.

For residents and travelers in Phuket, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance, particularly when navigating the island's steep and winding mountainous terrain. Local authorities have advised motorists to regularly inspect their engine systems before traveling to prevent similar mechanical failures that could pose risks to road safety. While the immediate obstruction has been cleared, the specific nature of the engine defect remains a private matter for the vehicle owner and their mechanic.