A Road Traffic Accident and Death Investigation: Pickup Truck Collision at a Roundabout near Kanchanaburi Provincial Hall

Abstract

On September 1, 2025, the Surveillance and Rapid Response Team of Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital was notified of a road traffic accident involving a pickup truck colliding with a roundabout and subsequently crashing into the Kanchanaburi Provincial Hall wall in Pak Phraek Subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, on August 31, 2025. The accident resulted in one fatality. A road traffic accident death investigation was initiated on September 8, 2025. A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted to identify the characteristics and contributing factors of the crash and the subsequent fatality. It included reviewing injury surveillance data, analyzing the decedent's medical records, interviewing officials, and conducting a detailed survey of the vehicle, road, and surrounding environment. Risk factors were analyzed using the Haddon Matrix and the Swiss Cheese Model. The findings revealed that the Provincial Hall roundabout has experienced 60 road traffic accidents and 2 fatalities between 2022 and 2025. This event occurred on August 31, 2025, at approximately 02:55 AM. The deceased was a 29-year-old male pickup truck driver employed as a security guard at an entertainment venue; the incident occurred shortly after his shift ended. Post-mortem analysis revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 249.89 mg/dL. The primary cause of the accident was driving under the influence (DUI). Significant environmental risk factors included faded rumble strips and lane markings, an undersized splitter island at the roundabout approach, and poor nighttime visibility of the central island. Factors contributing to the fatality included the failure to use a seatbelt, the proximity of the concrete wall to the roundabout, and a damaged guardrail. Although roundabouts are a safe traffic management system at intersections, the lack of maintained road markings, insufficient traffic calming measures, and poor nighttime visibility can lead an intoxicated driver to collide with the central island. Relevant agencies should urgently improve roads and roundabouts, strictly enforce traffic regulations, and establish organizational measures in entertainment venues to prevent future DUI incidents.