← 返回新闻首页
泰国主流

Police confirm fatality and a homicide case after an EV car ploughed into a Chinese shrine on Thursday

Fatal turn in Bangkok shrine crash as woman, 82, dies after a 78-year-old driver’s BYD ploughs through worshippers. Eight others are injured, two seriously. Police… Read More ›

thaiexaminerJames Morris and Son Nguyen查看原文 ↗

新闻视频

YouTube video player
YouTube video player
YouTube video player
警方证实,周四一辆电动汽车撞入一座中国神社后,造成一人死亡,并已立案调查。

October 2, 2026 at 9:27 pm

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

in Crime , Living , Media , Thailand

A serious accident at a venerated Bangkok shrine has become a homicide investigation after an 82-year-old woman died. Eight others were injured, two seriously, when a 78-year-old driver’s BYD tore through the crowded Guanyin Shrine. Worshippers scattered as rescuers battled to free a trapped woman. Police have now filed three criminal charges against the driver, whose account shifted from reported dizziness to confusion over the vehicle’s controls.

Bangkok shrine crash turns fatal as woman, 82, dies and eight are injured. Police charge the 78-year-old BYD driver as they probe his confusion over the car’s controls. ( Source: Manager )

An 82-year-old woman has died after a BYD electric car ploughed into a crowded Chinese shrine in Bangkok. Eight other people were injured, including two seriously, police confirmed on Friday. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old driver faces three criminal charges following Thursday afternoon’s crash.

The death sharply raises the toll from the incident at the Thian Fah Foundation on Yaowarat Road. Initial reports identified only three injured worshippers. However, police revealed a substantially heavier casualty count after the investigation progressed overnight. One woman is now confirmed dead, while eight others survived with injuries.

Pol Col Witthawat Khengkhum confirmed the revised toll while updating the investigation on Friday. He is superintendent of Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station. Police identified the deceased victim as an 82-year-old woman but have not publicly released her name. Of the eight survivors, two suffered serious fractures and six sustained lesser injuries.

Police confirm nine victims after shrine crash as woman, 82, dies and two others suffer fractures

Notably, one woman suffered a fractured pelvis, while a man sustained a broken leg. The latest figures significantly change the scale of Thursday’s incident. Early accounts focused on three casualties identified during the initial emergency response. Friday’s police update instead confirmed nine victims, including the woman who died.

The development follows an earlier Thai Examiner report on the dramatic crash published on Friday. That report identified a 60-year-old woman named Wipa among the injured. She became trapped beneath the front of the grey BYD after it entered the shrine. Rescue workers used hydraulic equipment to free her before taking her to Klang Hospital.

Police have now identified the deceased woman as aged 82. Accordingly, the available information indicates she and Wipa were separate victims. Nothing in the latest police information establishes that the two women were the same person. Instead, the revised figures show the initial casualty picture was incomplete.

Separately, investigators have stepped up criminal proceedings against the 78-year-old driver. Police filed three charges after confirmation of the death and wider injury toll. They concern negligent conduct causing death and negligent conduct causing serious injury. The third concerns negligent conduct causing bodily or psychological injury.

Driver released after three charges as police examine his account of confusion over the BYD controls

Despite those charges, police did not arrest the motorist after questioning him. Pol Col Witthawat said he remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Moreover, he has a permanent address and showed no indication that he intended to flee. Police therefore granted him temporary release and ordered him to report again next week.

Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and question witnesses before completing their case. Afterwards, they will prepare the investigation file for submission to public prosecutors. The driver will return next week as police continue those legal procedures.

Meanwhile, his explanation of the crash has developed since Thursday’s initial reports. Early accounts said he told investigators that he became dizzy or faint before the vehicle accelerated. He reportedly referred to an underlying condition involving high blood pressure. Friday’s police update, however, focused on confusion involving the electric car’s controls.

Pol Col Witthawat said the driver admitted becoming confused about the BYD’s gear position. Other reports said investigators were examining possible confusion between the accelerator and brake pedals. Consequently, police will test his explanation against evidence gathered from the scene. That includes CCTV footage, physical evidence and statements from witnesses.

BYD drives through crowded Yaowarat shrine as worshippers scatter and rescuers free trapped woman

The crash happened between approximately 1.13 pm and 1.30 pm on Thursday, October 1. The location was the Guanyin Shrine inside the Thian Fah Foundation compound. It stands on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong district. Around 30 worshippers were reportedly inside when the grey BYD approached the shrine.

Security guard Worraphon Yangchaem, 60, saw the electric vehicle moving towards the worship area. He attempted to signal the driver to stop. Instead, the BYD continued forward, forcing Mr Worraphon to jump clear. At the same time, worshippers scattered as the car drove deeper into the compound.

The vehicle continued through the worship area before finally stopping near the Guanyin altar. CCTV footage subsequently captured its path through the shrine. The front of the BYD suffered extensive damage during the crash. Parts of the shrine were also damaged, although the Guanyin statue escaped the impact.

Inside the compound, emergency crews immediately began treating the injured. Wipa, 60, was trapped beneath the front section of the vehicle. In response, rescuers brought hydraulic equipment into the shrine and worked to release her. She was eventually freed and transported to Klang Hospital for treatment.

Police examine CCTV and forensic evidence as compensation talks follow fatal Yaowarat shrine crash

Two other casualties were initially reported following the emergency response. However, Friday’s police update revealed that the full toll was substantially higher. An 82-year-old woman had died from her injuries, while eight people survived. Two of those survivors suffered serious fractures, with six sustaining lesser injuries.

In parallel, police conducted alcohol and preliminary drug tests on the 78-year-old driver. Earlier reports said his alcohol test returned a negative result. Investigators also gathered statements and began reviewing CCTV footage from the shrine. Physical evidence from the vehicle and compound will form another part of the case.

Police must now establish the complete sequence before the BYD accelerated through the crowded worship area. As part of that process, investigators will examine the driver’s account concerning the vehicle’s controls. They will compare it with witness testimony, CCTV recordings and forensic evidence.

On another front, police are preparing to address compensation arising from the fatal crash. Discussions will cover the family of the deceased 82-year-old woman. Medical expenses and compensation for the eight surviving victims will also be considered. Additionally, damage sustained by the Thian Fah Foundation will form part of those discussions.

Shrine reopens after fatal crash as police raise possible review of accident data for older motorists

Despite the damage, the shrine reopened to worshippers on Friday. However, access to affected sections remained restricted while cleaning and repairs continued. Visitors were still arriving at the foundation during the day. For now, worship is being conducted from an outside section while work continues inside.

Pol Col Witthawat also addressed the driver’s age during Friday’s update. Thailand currently imposes no automatic upper age limit preventing elderly motorists from holding driving licences. He said relevant agencies could examine accident statistics involving older motorists. These could include the Royal Thai Police and Department of Land Transport.

Any wider consideration would first require examination of relevant accident data. For now, however, the police investigation remains centred on Thursday’s fatal crash. Officers must complete forensic examinations, witness interviews and other evidence gathering before finalising the case.

Driver due back at police station as investigators prepare fatal shrine crash case for prosecutors

The driver is expected to return to Phlapphla Chai 2 Police Station next week. Investigators will then continue legal proceedings before preparing their final file for prosecutors. His explanation concerning confusion over the BYD’s controls will remain part of that investigation.

Thursday’s crash was initially reported as an accident involving three injured worshippers. By Friday, however, the confirmed toll had become substantially graver. An 82-year-old woman was dead, while eight others had been injured. Two survivors suffered serious fractures.

At the same time, the 78-year-old driver now faces three criminal charges. Police are testing his account against CCTV footage, physical evidence and witness statements. Once that work is completed, investigators will send the case to prosecutors.

Elderly woman seriously injured after an old man drove EV car at speed into a crowded Bangkok shrine

EV car erupts in flames in Nonthaburi near Bangkok after the owner runs errands. Home charger exploded

EV bosses fear as the cars come under the spotlight with two fires in as many days sparking enquiries

Volvo to face state agency lawsuit over car that exploded into flames. Push to bolster consumer rights

Volvo withdraws one of its EV models in a disastrous week for the firm in Thailand with exploding cars

Government sends strong warning to EV industry after a dramatic surge in consumer complaints

Thaksin wants higher excise duties on EV cars that are simply assembled in Thailand by Chinese firms

Chinese EV players in Thailand may opt out of subsidies as a difficult year ends. Optimism for electric cars

Chinese EV industry in Thailand faces a crisis. It is demanding an urgent hearing from the government

EV sector crisis as Chinese firms are trapped between lack of demand and government tax penalties

Thailand changes tack as EV revolution turns into a damp squib with warehouses full of unsold cars

Top Thai insurer says no more new policies for EV cars. Later, it emphasised renewals case by case

Thailand’s EV car vision buckles as World markets and canny drivers at home take stock of what is on offer

Government targets failing manufacturing base with a carbon tax on output to fight climate change crisis

Lack of coherence in government policy is the root cause of Thailand’s massive economic problems

James Morris is a pename for an international writer based in Bangkok who works on various international news media. He is a sub editor with the Thai Examiner news website since it began in 2015. Son Nguyen is an international writer and news commentator specialising in Thai news and current affairs. He commenced working with the Thai Examiner News Desk in May 2018.

All posts by James Morris and Son Nguyen

USS George HW Bush heading for Phuket for 6 days R&R. Docks October 5 with over five thousand sailors September 29, 2026 Phuket braces for 5,120 US personnel as USS George

Thai Airways CEO apologises for ongoing flooding crisis issues with defective carts and delayed flights September 29, 2026 Defective baggage equipment and staff shortages hammer

Foreign tourist arrivals already down 3.65% with fears the flooding crisis may impact the Chinese market September 29, 2026 Thailand’s tourism engine sputters into high season

Anutin rejects appeal against deportation made by French man Kevin Dimino despite wife’s submission September 28, 2026 French zoo owner Kevin Dimino faces deportation after

32 year old Ranger killed in one shot incident in Narathiwat on Sunday evening as he took up position September 28, 2026 One gunshot kills Ranger Sukran Lateh, 32, as his

Tourism minister directs acute airport baggage crisis caused by workers who failed to turn up for shifts September 28, 2026 Tourism Minister Surasak rushes to Suvarnabhumi as the

Prime Minister Anutin wades into flood hit areas to be met with a mixed reaction including seething anger September 28, 2026 Bangkok flood victims confront Prime Minister Anutin

Nene Royal after conquering the showbiz world this week returns home to Phuket to her granny’s embrace September 27, 2026 Thailand’s Nene Royal returns to Phuket after

Bangkok airports open and flights running but there are delays and baggage issues at Suvarnabhumi September 27, 2026 Flood chaos hits Suvarnabhumi as passengers wait six

Bangkok flooding eases as front moves to Myanmar but Governor warns city needs 2-3 days to recover September 27, 2026 The Thai capital races to drain vast floodwater after

Figures for opening 8 months of 2026 show a gaping trade deficit as Thailand imports more from China September 27, 2026 Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited London

PM directs flash flooding crisis which has hit Bangkok making all 50 districts disaster zones from London September 26, 2026 Bangkok battles severe flooding after almost 300mm of

Prime Minister Anutin’s US visit this week yielded a closer ties pact between Bangkok and Wall Street September 26, 2026 Wall Street opens its doors to closer Thai links as

Horror in Phuket as policeman’s Glock gun misfires in slider action fatally wounding his 49 year old mother September 25, 2026 Phuket policeman faces a fatal shooting probe after

Bombshell Supreme Court ruling links Bhumjaithai Party figure with orchestrated Senate poll collusion September 25, 2026 Supreme Court exposes corrupt conduct in the 2024

Prime Minister and his team grilled by Wall Street on Thailand’s geopolitical stance and growth plans September 25, 2026 Hard-boiled Wall Street investors put PM Anutin and

Four sentenced to life for deadly 2022 insurgency bombing in Pattani. Death sentences commuted to life September 24, 2026 Death sentences for four men are reduced to life

Race against time and water flows as PM Anutin works round the clock tackling flooding emergency September 29, 2026

Thailand moves carefully with AI regulation as US tech warns over key provisions hindering investment September 29, 2026

Military operations are expanded at Suvarnabhumi Airport as crisis is still not brought under control September 28, 2026

PM’s relief as Constitutional Court upholds February 8th General Election despite a barcode warning September 28, 2026

Royal Thai Army deployed to Suvarnabhumi Airport after baggage chaos gets the better of exhausted staff September 28, 2026

Love triangle horror in Chumphon sees all three dead after government officer goes on a killing rampage September 27, 2026

NIDA opinion poll shows rising apathy among the Thai public as Prime Minister Anutin’s base crashes September 27, 2026

Flooding tragedy in Samut Prakan near Bangkok. Two die from electrocution after family car is submerged September 27, 2026

Crucial ballot decision of Constitutional Court on Monday could upend government and Thai politics September 27, 2026

American arrested in Pattaya after a joint agency raid found an illicit narcotics factory in his suburban home September 26, 2026

Warning in Thailand over fake cough syrup bottles. Police smash counterfeit medicine empire in 4 raids September 26, 2026

Spanish chef (32) who murdered and dismembered a Colombian surgeon on Koh Phangan loses appeal September 26, 2026

Dizziness, headaches in a Pattaya locale after a cannabis farm fire at a residence on Friday morning guts the property September 25, 2026

33 year old sets fire to Honda Scooby in Udon Thani after mother refused to buy him a more powerful ride September 25, 2026

Ministers accused of neglecting Thai farmers. Crucial aid support has not yet reached the cabinet table September 25, 2026

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally summoned by parliament over local government exam scandal September 24, 2026

Former Justice Minister hails major bankruptcy bill which could help reduce the household debt burden September 24, 2026

Nene Royal wins big for Thailand with blistering ‘Seven Nation Army’ final act. Nets $1 million prize September 24, 2026

Chinese men arrested on rape and extortion charges after Pattaya raid. Woman locked up and chained September 23, 2026

Digital Minister (36) and heir to powerful Chidchob dynasty has a fortune of hundreds of millions September 23, 2026

Latest cannabis bill agreed by cabinet on Tuesday to rein in the out of control weed industry in Thailand September 23, 2026

Legal heavyweights plan seminar to review Election Commission’s move to let top politicians off the hook September 22, 2026

© 2026 Thai Examiner. All rights reserved.

手机左右滑动,电脑按 ← → 键,也能切换新闻