A container truck trailer snagged communication cables at the entrance to Bang Pu Industrial Estate in Samut Prakan Province, pulling down over 70 utility poles along a 2-kilometer stretch, causing a widespread power outage.
At 01:00 on 30 January 2026, Police Colonel Watchara Thepsen, superintendent of Bang Pu Police Station, was notified of an accident involving a container truck trailer snagging communication cables. This caused more than 70 utility and streetlight poles to collapse in a continuous line spanning several kilometers, from the curve in front of Muang Samut Bang Pu Hospital to the mouth of Nuannet Alley. The incident occurred on the bridge at the entrance to Bang Pu Industrial Estate on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province.
At the scene on the middle of the canal bridge, a Hino-brand container truck with Bangkok license plates was parked. Along the roadside of Sukhumvit Road, collapsed utility poles had fallen onto a bus stop sign, blocking bicycle lanes and multiple alley entrances and exits along the stretch, including the entrance to Bang Pu Industrial Estate. However, Sukhumvit Road remained passable as usual, and no injuries or fatalities were reported from the incident.
Mr. Too, 48, the container truck driver, stated he was entering Bang Pu Industrial Estate to pick up goods and was using this route for the first time. He had asked coworkers for directions and followed the signs. When turning into the alley and ascending a hill, poor lighting prevented him from seeing a cable coil that had been previously snagged and was hanging low. The edge of the container caught the cable, causing a domino effect toppling the poles. He then stopped to inspect the damage.
Sergeant Saracha Phanchai, a radio technician at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, reported that initial inspections found about 70 medium-voltage utility poles approximately 12 meters tall were damaged over a 2-kilometer stretch. Additionally, electrical distribution equipment such as transformers and related components were also damaged.
Currently, it is not possible to precisely assess the damage value. Preliminary estimates suggest costs run into several million baht. Further detailed inspections will be conducted in the morning to compile comprehensive information.
Sergeant Saracha added that the damage report will be submitted to superiors to request additional personnel and equipment from nearby areas to expedite electrical repairs. At present, only partial power supply is available, with many areas still without electricity due to damaged equipment. The timeline to fully restore power remains uncertain and depends on mobilizing sufficient repair forces.