Bangkok Bus Dangling: Passengers Escape Cable Snag
Bangkok—In a scene reminiscent of a movie, a Bangkok public bus was dramatically suspended several meters in the air Monday night after a bizarre accident involving low-hanging cables. Fortunately, despite the dramatic visuals, no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred around 11:45 p. m. on Taksin Road near the Mahai Sawan intersection, after the bus descended from the Bangkok Bridge. The No. 167 bus, the last run of its route for the night, was en route to Chom Thong Road when the unexpected happened. According to the 34-year-old driver, Apinya, the bus slid after crossing the bridge, causing her to lose control.
In an attempt to avoid colliding with other vehicles, Apinya wrestled with the steering wheel, veering left. This maneuver entangled the bus’s left wing mirror with a series of low-hanging cables along the roadside. The force of the moving bus, combined with the entanglement, hoisted the front end of the vehicle approximately three meters into the air.
The unusual sight prompted a rapid response from emergency services. Bukkalo police, Poh Teck Tung rescue personnel, and electricity repair crews converged on the scene. On board were the driver, a conductor, and three passengers, all of whom escaped unharmed.
Following the incident, Apinya noticed a suspicious stain on the road surface near the scene, appearing to be a mixture of water and engine oil. This observation raises questions about the potential contribution of road conditions to the loss of control. Investigations into the exact cause of the slide are likely underway.
While the incident caused a stir, police reported minimal traffic disruption due to the late hour and light traffic volume. However, images of the suspended bus quickly captivated online audiences. Photos and videos circulated rapidly on social media, eliciting amazement and relief from netizens who noted the fortunate lack of casualties.
Repair crews diligently disentangled the bus from the cables, eventually lowering it to the ground with a crane. Initial assessments suggest the bus sustained no significant damage.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of road accidents and the importance of maintaining road safety standards. While the low-hanging cables played a critical role, the potential contributing factors of road conditions and driver control require further investigation. The fortunate escape of everyone involved highlights the importance of swift emergency response and a measure of good fortune in averting a potentially tragic outcome.
