A pickup truck with a cargo of bottled water crashed into a high-voltage power pole in Chiang Mai on Tuesday afternoon, bringing down 24 poles and causing widespread damage.
The accident occurred about 3pm on Nhong Hor Road (Route 1366) in Muang district.
Two men aged 30-35 years were taken to Nakornping Hospital.
The injured passenger was identified as Boonrit “Rodbus” Charoenwong, 27, a popular contestant in The Voice Thailand Season 6. He later died from his injuries.
As the poles collapsed, sparking cables started a fire in a nearby restaurant. At least 20 vehicles were also damaged, along with several homes and businesses.
Around 50 households were left without power.
Residents said the truck appeared to be travelling at speed as it approached the bend, a spot known for frequent accidents. The vehicle missed the turn and crashed into an electricity pole, snapping it in two. The falling power lines dragged down other poles in a chain reaction.
